Manipur took a giant stride in healthcare infrastructure Saturday when Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated 33 specialized maternal ambulances, set to serve all 16 districts. This move, supported financially by the North Eastern Council, promises round-the-clock emergency response for mothers and newborns.
Health department sources revealed that the ambulances, acquired through the state health directorate, feature advanced life-support systems tailored for obstetric emergencies. The rollout addresses longstanding gaps in rural and tribal areas, where access to hospitals often proves life-threatening.
Simultaneously, the CM joined the pan-India HPV immunization program at JNIMS, Imphal. Kicking off under PM Modi’s virtual launch from Ajmer, the campaign focuses on vaccinating adolescent girls against the virus responsible for most cervical cancers.
Singh’s hands-on involvement included touring the vaccination setup, engaging with healthcare workers, and felicitating a vaccinated girl with her certificate. His infrastructure audit at JNIMS signals broader investments in medical facilities.
In his speech, PM Modi hailed the effort as revolutionary for daughters’ well-being, positioning it as a cornerstone of proactive health policy. The vaccine targets HPV strains that trigger 99.7% of cervical cancers, delivered as a single shot to 14-15-year-olds.
Echoing national fervor, Mizoram’s Health Minister Lalrinpuii lauded the scheme while flagging her state’s alarming cancer statistics—the nation’s highest per lakh population. Attributing spikes to rampant tobacco chewing, processed meats, and fatty pork diets, she underscored the urgency.
Research from Tata Memorial Hospital links Mizo community trends to lifestyle factors exacerbating breast and cervical cancers, India’s top female killers. Free HPV shots offer hope, with northeastern states uniting in this vital health crusade for a cancer-free future.