New Delhi, Aug 9 (PTI) Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday said the government was actively considering the launch of the HPV vaccination programme as recommended by the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group.

Responding to questions in the Lok Sabha, the minister said certain issues related to logistics in the rollout of the HPV vaccination programme need to be addressed.

Also Read | Jansanman Yatra: NCP Leader Ajit Pawar Apologies to Onion Farmers, Says Ban on Exports Dealt a Big Blow.

"The first issue is about the single and double-dose vaccine. The indigenous vaccine, which we have prepared, is a double-dose vaccine and the vaccine, which is being supported by external agencies, is a single-dose vaccine," Nadda said.

He said states such as Sikkim and Punjab have already rolled out the HPV vaccination programme. Nadda said the Punjab carried out the vaccination programme for a year-and-a-half when they got external support and then stopped it.

Also Read | Parliament Monsoon Session 2024 Concludes: Second Session of 18th Lok Sabha Concludes; 12 Government Bills Introduced, 4 Passed, Check List Here.

"Yes, we have to roll out the programme because it is a national programme. It is a free-of-cost programme for every child. But for that, a cohort logistic system has to be developed and we are doing it," Nadda said.

The health minister said there are states, which have taken initiatives on their own, which was welcomed by the Centre.

Nadda said that 6,17,74,353 women have been screened and 76,652 women have been diagnosed with cervical cancer out of which 67,424 are being treated at government facilities.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)