Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Launches ‘Cervical Cancer Free Pune’ Campaign

Mumbai, Nov 2025 : Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today inaugurated the ‘Cervical Cancer Free Pune’ campaign, implemented by the Health Department of the Pune Zilla Parishad, at the Sahyadri State Guest House.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Chief Minister’s Secretary Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Pune Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Gajanan Patil, Pune District Health Officer Dr. Ramchandra Hankare, Deputy Chief Minister’s Joint Secretary Dr. Santosh Bhosale, and representatives from the Serum Institute of India, Jeevika Foundation, Union Bank, and the America–India Foundation.

Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent form of cancer among women in India. HPV vaccination and timely screening can effectively prevent this disease. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness among women and increase vaccination coverage, said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Pune Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil gave a presentation on the campaign during the event.

The objective of this project is the complete elimination of cervical cancer through prevention, awareness, vaccination, and coordinated screening. Under this initiative, awareness will be created through vaccination drives in schools. Additionally, ASHA workers will visit households to provide information about cervical cancer screening for women, it was informed.