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Sudha Murty Advocates Government-Sponsored Cervical Cancer Vaccine Program in Rajya Sabha

• ByStartupStory     |    July 3, 2024

Renowned philanthropist and author Sudha Murty, in her debut address at the Rajya Sabha, has passionately called for a nationwide government-sponsored vaccination initiative aimed at combating cervical cancer. Murty emphasized the critical role of preventative healthcare, particularly through the administration of cervical cancer vaccines to girls aged between nine to fourteen years.

“There is a vaccination which is given to girls, between the age of nine to 14, known as a cervical vaccination. If the girls take that, it (cancer) can be avoided … we should promote vaccination for the benefit of our girls because prevention is better than cure,” Murty expressed during her speech.

Acknowledging the government’s successful handling of large-scale vaccination drives during the Covid-19 pandemic, Murty underscored the feasibility of implementing a similar program for cervical cancer vaccines. She highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the vaccine, noting its affordability and the potential for further reduction through government negotiations.

“This vaccination has been developed in the West and has been in use for the past 20 years. It has proven to be effective and is not expensive. Today it costs Rs 1,400, and with government intervention, this cost could potentially be reduced to Rs 700-800,” Murty elaborated.

In addition to healthcare advocacy, Murty also advocated for the promotion of domestic tourism, urging recognition of 57 sites in India as potential World Heritage Sites. She cited examples such as the Bahubali statue at Shravanabela Gola, Lingaraja Temple, and the Shivaji forts among others, emphasizing their cultural and historical significance.

“In India, we have 42 World Heritage sites but 57 are pending … we should bother about those 57 sites,” Murty passionately asserted.

Murty’s address in the Rajya Sabha resonated widely, prompting calls for governmental action on both healthcare and cultural preservation fronts.

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