RIMS, Imphal launched free HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls under the National Programme on April 27, 2026. Director Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma inaugurated it. Vaccines are available at Paediatric OPD; nationwide drive targets 1.15 crore girls annually.
IMPHAL — The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal has launched the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination Programme for girl children as part of the National HPV Vaccination Campaign under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India — bringing a critical cervical cancer prevention initiative to Manipur for the first time under the national programme, with the vaccine available free of charge at the hospital's Paediatric Immunization OPD.
The programme was inaugurated on April 27 at the Paediatric Immunization OPD, RIMS Hospital, by Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director of RIMS, in the presence of Prof. N. Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent of RIMS Hospital, along with heads of departments, faculty members, nursing officials, and staff of the institution. The launch marks RIMS's formal entry into the Government of India's nationwide HPV vaccination drive, which was officially rolled out in February 2026.
¦ WHY HPV VACCINATION MATTERS
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women in India. The Human Papilloma Virus is the primary causative agent for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases, and vaccination against HPV — when administered before exposure — is one of the most effective preventive interventions available in medicine. India has among the highest cervical cancer burdens in the world, with the disease accounting for a significant proportion of cancer deaths in women, particularly in states and regions with lower screening and healthcare access.
The national programme targets girls aged 14 years, the age group for which the vaccine is most effective in providing long-term protection before the onset of potential exposure. By providing the vaccine free of cost through government medical institutions, the campaign aims to remove the financial barrier that has historically limited access to what remains an expensive vaccine in the private health market.
HPV vaccination is a critical intervention in the prevention of cervical cancer — one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women.
¦ DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE: PREVENTION OVER TREATMENT
Addressing the gathering at the launch, RIMS Director Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma emphasised that the provision of the HPV vaccine free of cost reflects the institution's commitment to preventive healthcare — a shift from treating disease after it has developed to preventing it before it can take hold. He urged all eligible beneficiaries to avail themselves of the vaccine without delay, describing early vaccination as essential for ensuring long-term protection against HPV-related diseases.
¦ HPV VACCINATION PROGRAMME — AT A GLANCE
Programme: National HPV Vaccination Campaign
Implementing body: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India
National launch: February 2026
Manipur launch: April 27, 2026 — RIMS Hospital, Imphal
Target group: Girl children aged 14 years
National coverage target: Approximately 1.15 crore girls annually
Cost to beneficiary: Free of charge
Vaccination location at RIMS: Paediatric Immunization OPD, RIMS Hospital, Imphal
Availability: During OPD hours
¦ HOW TO ACCESS THE VACCINE
All eligible girls — aged 14 years — and their parents or guardians are encouraged to visit the Paediatric Immunization OPD at RIMS Hospital, Imphal, during regular OPD hours to receive the vaccine at no cost. RIMS officials have emphasised that early vaccination is the most reliable way to ensure lasting protection, and have called on parents and guardians to take advantage of the programme without delay.
