Health officials in Gurugram are significantly expanding the reach of its cervical cancer prevention efforts, rolling out free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations across a network of primary health centres (PHC) and urban primary health centres (UPHC). The move is designed to bring critical preventative care directly into neighborhoods, removing the logistical and financial barriers that often hinder adolescent healthcare.
The initiative focuses on providing free free HPV vaccination in Gurugram to girls aged 14, utilizing the Gardasil-4 vaccine. This specific vaccine protects against four high-risk HPV types—6, 11, 16, and 18—which are among the most common variants linked to cervical cancer and other health complications in women. By shifting the rollout from centralized hospitals to local clinics, the district aims to normalize the vaccine and increase uptake among a demographic that is most biologically responsive to the shot.
According to Dr. Lokveer Singh, the chief medical officer of Gurugram, the primary goal is to improve overall immunization coverage to curb the long-term incidence of cervical cancer. He noted that the vaccine typically costs approximately ₹4,000 or more at private health facilities, making this government-funded campaign a vital resource for low- and middle-income families.
Expanding the Vaccination Network
The campaign initially launched on February 26, with doses administered at the Civil Hospital in Sector 10A and sub-divisional hospitals located in Sohna, Pataudi, and Farrukh Nagar. To accelerate the pace of the rollout, the health department is now integrating approximately 30 UPHCs, PHCs, and a polyclinic in Sector 31 into the distribution chain.
The first phase of the immunization drive has an ambitious target: covering roughly 30,000 girls by May 31. However, early data indicates a sluggish start. As of the most recent update on Friday, only 316 girls had received their HPV doses at the district’s government hospitals.
Campaign Overview: Phase One
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Population | Girls aged 14 |
| Vaccine Used | Gardasil-4 (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) |
| Coverage Goal | 30,000 girls by May 31 |
| Access Points | ~41 facilities (including 30 UPHCs/PHCs) |
| Cost to Beneficiary | Free |
Overcoming Hesitancy and Social Stigma
The gap between the target and the actual number of vaccinated girls highlights a significant challenge in public health: vaccine hesitancy. Officials have identified several factors contributing to the slow turnout, including a lack of awareness among the target population, social stigma surrounding the HPV vaccine, and the timing of the rollout, which coincided with school examinations.
To address these hurdles, the district task force is conducting regular reviews of the rollout status. Dr. Jayprakash Rajliwal, the deputy civil surgeon, stated that appointments can be booked at most of the 41 health facilities, though a few locations are currently unavailable due to ongoing cold storage issues—a critical requirement for maintaining vaccine efficacy.
The health department is now pivoting toward a more targeted awareness strategy by collaborating with the education sector. Repeated requests have been sent to the district’s education department to obtain lists of eligible girls from both government and private schools. This data will allow health workers to organize targeted awareness drives and set up vaccination camps directly on school grounds.
Further efforts include directing schools to encourage parents to utilize Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTM) to discuss the vaccine and resolve queries. Saroj Dahia, the district elementary educational officer, has confirmed that these directions have been forwarded to the respective schools.
The Broader Fight Against Cervical Cancer
While the vaccination campaign focuses on prevention for the youth, Gurugram is simultaneously maintaining a robust screening program for older women to detect precancerous lesions. Between April 2025 and March 2026, the district conducted approximately 62,000 screenings using VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid) and pap smear tests.
This recent effort is part of a larger cumulative total of around 200,000 screenings performed in the district. These screening methods are essential for early detection, as cervical cancer often progresses silently before symptoms appear. By combining early screening for adults with early vaccination for adolescents, the district is attempting to create a comprehensive safety net against the disease.
At the start of the February campaign, the district received an initial shipment of 3,000 HPV doses. As the network of UPHCs and PHCs becomes fully operational, the health department expects the distribution of these doses to accelerate.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for vaccination schedules and medical screenings.
The health department’s next critical milestone will be the May 31 deadline for the first phase of the immunization drive, at which point officials are expected to review the total number of girls reached and determine the requirements for the subsequent phase of the rollout.
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