Pune: Health Minister Prakash Abitkar Urges Serum Institute to Lead Cervical Cancer Vaccination Initiative
Pune: Health Minister Prakash Abitkar Urges Serum Institute to Lead Cervical Cancer Vaccination Initiative
Pune, November 3, 2025: Maharashtra’s Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare, Prakash Abitkar, has called upon the Serum Institute of India (SII) to take the lead in developing and implementing large-scale vaccination programmes aimed at preventing cervical cancer among women.
During his visit to the Serum Institute’s Hadapsar facility on Friday, Abitkar reviewed the institute’s ongoing research, vaccine production processes, and future projects. He held an extensive discussion with Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman and Managing Director of SII, regarding the development of a preventive vaccine against cervical cancer.
Dr. Poonawalla noted that cervical cancer continues to be one of the major health challenges for women in India, adding that SII is actively working on advancing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help reduce the disease burden.
Highlighting the growing number of cervical cancer cases in Maharashtra, Abitkar stressed the need for a comprehensive prevention strategy combining vaccination, awareness, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. He emphasised that mass screening drives and awareness campaigns must be organised across the state to ensure early detection and protection.
During the visit, the minister also toured SII’s research divisions, vaccine production units, and advanced laboratories, accompanied by Dr. Poonawalla and senior institute officials.
Abitkar reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening women’s healthcare initiatives, stating that partnerships with institutions like the Serum Institute play a crucial role in achieving long-term public health goals.
