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CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI Kolkata, in a positive step for cancer prevention, launched a free cervical cancer vaccination clinic for girls and young women aged 9 to 26. The clinic will operate on a weekly basis, every Wednesday and Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm.
The clinic has been set up to offer free HPV vaccination, and gynaecologist consultation, to provide more access to HPV vaccination, raise awareness, and encourage early protection from cervical cancer, which is one of the most preventable but also one of the deadliest cancers affecting women.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer found in women in India, after breast cancer. The Globocan 2020 database (WHO–IARC) estimates that India has approximately 123,000 new cases of cervical cancer and over 77,000 deaths from cervical cancer per year. West Bengal, particularly Kolkata city, has a significant contribution to this disease burden, with a steady increase of 15–20% over the past five years from local cancer registry data and hospital-based studies. Most of these cases are reported in late stages as the patients had little awareness, underwent screening late, and low coverage of vaccination.
Persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer. It is a common virus that spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. While many infections clear spontaneously, the virus can remain in some individuals and cause precancer, or cancer over time. The HPV vaccine is widely considered the most effective means of prevention against cervical cancer and is the most effective when given before sexual activity.
CMRI’s clinic offers both the Quadrivalent and Nine-Valent HPV vaccines that protect against 4 to 9 of the cancer-causing HPV strains. As per CDC and WHO guidelines, girls, and boys 9 to 14 are given two doses (6 months apart), whereas anyone age 15 and older is given three doses. This timing is to ensure immunisation before exposure, as the virus can pass by a single sexual partner and transmission can occur with non-penetrative contact.
Dr. Parnamita Bhattacharya, consultant gynaecologist at CMRI Kolkata said, “HPV vaccination is a game-changer in the fight against cervical cancer. If given early, it can prevent up to 90% of HPV-induced cancers. Through this free vaccination program, we want to reach young girls throughout Kolkata who may not otherwise have the opportunity for this important preventative care. It is better to prevent than it is to cure, and this vaccine can save lives.”
Dr. Sombrata Roy, unit head CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI Kolkata, said, “This initiative reflects CMRI’s larger commitment to proactive, preventive healthcare. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is almost entirely preventable with timely vaccination and screening. Yet thousands of women continue to lose their lives to it every year. We believe access should never be a barrier. Through this free vaccination clinic, we hope to reach more girls and young women across the city and contribute to public health initiatives for Bengal.”
CMRI is also advocating for women 25–64 years to get Pap smear tests (every 3–5 years), preferably with high-risk HPV DNA testing combined, to identify any pre-cancerous changes earlier.
Treatment for cervical cancer is very effective with surgery and radiotherapy if diagnosed in the early stages. This also aligns with the WHO's global successfully and using it as your own health issue ‘Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat', which aims to obtain 90% of girls (by 15 years) vaccinated against HPV; 70% screening by age 35 and 45; and 90% of diagnosed cases treated by 2030.
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