India’s HPV Vaccination Drive Gains Momentum, Lakhs of Girls Covered in First Month The Indian government reported significant early progress in its nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program just over a month after its launch, with hundreds of thousands of 14-year-old girls already receiving the vaccine across various states. The initiative, which began on February 28, 2026, aims to immunize approximately 1.2 crore eligible girls across all states and union territories. The single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine is being provided free of cost at government health facilities, including primary health centers, community health centers, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges. This ensures access to even remote and underserved regions. The Union Health Ministry emphasized that the vaccination drive is conducted under strict medical supervision, with all vaccination sites linked to 24/7 adverse events following immunization (AEFI) management centers to address any complications promptly. The program remains voluntary, requiring parental consent before administering the vaccine. Following the initial three-month campaign period, the vaccine will continue to be available as part of routine immunization services, ensuring sustained coverage beyond the campaign phase. The government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to combat cervical cancer, combining vaccination with screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment to reduce the disease burden among women. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, highlighted these efforts in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, underscoring the government’s commitment to scaling preventive healthcare interventions across the country.#cervical_cancer #india #union_health_ministry #anupriya_patel #hpv_vaccination_drive
NEET 2026: Essential Guide for MBBS Entrance Aspirants The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to close the registration window for the NEET UG 2026 examination, a national-level test for MBBS and BDS admissions. The exam is scheduled for May 3, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Online applications will be accepted until March 8, 2026, via the official website. Candidates are urged to review eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and guidelines before submitting their applications. PG Medical Fees Vary Across States, Private Seat Fee Norms Subjudice: MoS Health The Union Health Ministry addressed concerns about rising costs for NEET PG 2025 admissions, noting that fees for government and private medical colleges vary by state. Minister Anupriya Patel highlighted that government colleges maintain lower fees to ensure affordability. She mentioned that the National Medical Commission issued guidelines for 50% of private college seats in 2022, but these rules face legal challenges and remain unresolved. Kerala: Nurses at Private Hospitals Strike for Rs 40,000 Minimum Salary Private hospital nurses in Kerala initiated a strike on Wednesday, demanding a minimum monthly salary of Rs 40,000, improved working conditions, and pending assurances. Organized by the United Nurses Association (UNA), representing over 490 private hospitals, the protest included a march to the state secretariat. Nurses cited a 2018 salary revision as inadequate amid rising living costs. Rs 33.34 Crore PG Stipend Scam: ED Chargesheet Against Two Accused in Karnataka The Enforcement Directorate filed a chargesheet in a case involving an alleged Rs 33.34 crore stipend scam at Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College. Funds meant for postgraduate students between 2018 and 2024 were allegedly misused.#kerala #nta #neet_ug_2026 #union_health_ministry #anupriya_patel
