Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Friday announced that the state government will provide free cervical cancer vaccinations to all girls below the age of 14 starting April 2026.
Speaking at the platinum jubilee celebration of Buriakhop School in Soreng district, Tamang also said that women aged 30 to 65 years will be given free cervical cancer test kits from the same month to facilitate early detection and timely treatment.
“When the world has preventive measures against such diseases, we must adopt them to protect those who can be saved from this dreaded ailment,” Tamang said, underscoring the importance of proactive healthcare initiatives.
He explained that girls below 14 years have been prioritized for vaccination as it is most effective at that age.
“By 2026, we will administer these vaccines in all state hospitals. This is a vital public health initiative, and we want everyone to participate in this mission,” the chief minister added.
Tamang said the initiative aligns with the state’s broader efforts to strengthen the healthcare system and promote women’s health and well-being. He urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the vaccine once the programme begins.
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The chief minister further stated that awareness campaigns will be conducted across schools and rural areas to educate families about the benefits of vaccination and early screening.
