Naidu launches HPV vaccine drive says AP will roll out AI doctor services, cancer institute

Vizianagaram: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the state government is giving top priority to public health and has launched several programmes, including the HPV vaccine, to prevent cancer. He urged all girls below 15 years of age to get vaccinated against HPV to reduce future cancer cases.Stating that the aim of the coalition government is to build a healthy, wealthy and happy Andhra Pradesh, the chief minister said the government is introducing the Sanjeevani project for public health and is planning to roll out AI doctor services for medical advice soon. He added that a State Cancer Institute is being established in Kurnool at a cost of Rs 50 crore, and the medical and healthcare allocation in the latest budget has been increased by 4%. Naidu participated in the HPV vaccination drive, the NTR Bharosa Pension programme, and other service activities for the poor at Ravivalasa in Cheepurupalli constituency on Saturday. Addressing the public at the Praja Vedika meeting, he said prime minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide initiative to protect girls from cervical and breast cancer.He noted that non-communicable diseases account for 74% of global deaths, 63% in India, and 68% in AP. Cancer cases in the State increased from 29,379 in 2021 to 32,657 in 2025, with nearly 65% of cases reported among women. Breast and cervical cancers are more common in women, while oral cancer is more prevalent in men. Cervical cancer has become a major concern, with 15–20 cases per one lakh women.The HPV vaccine, which costs Rs 4,000, is being provided free of cost in the interest of public health. The government is spending Rs 14.11 crore to vaccinate 3.45 lakh girls across the State, including 11,989 in Vizianagaram district. A total of 1,645 cold-chain points and 16,912 staff have been deployed for the drive.For cervical cancer prevention, 90% vaccination coverage among girls is essential, Naidu said. A single dose offers protection, and vaccines are available free at PHCs, district hospitals and other government hospitals. The vaccination process is being monitored by the Centre through the UWIN app.The CM said extensive cancer screening is underway: 1.72 crore people have been screened for oral cancer, and 90.39 lakh women for breast and cervical cancers. Of them, 5,07,590 were referred for oral cancer, 2,50,897 for breast cancer and 3,40,154 for cervical cancer.State economy on revival pathThe CM said 62,76,322 people are receiving pensions across the state, with Rs 2,726 crore being spent every month. He added that the Centre is providing "oxygen" to revive the state's weakened economy.Naidu said Visakhapatnam is attracting major investments, including a Google data centre, while TCS and Cognizant have already set up operations. With the upcoming Bhogapuram airport, the North Andhra region will see major development and employment opportunities, he said. The government introduced the P4 policy to support all economically backward communities, which he said will yield positive results.Naidu assured that irrigation projects in North Andhra districts will be completed within three years, ensuring water for every acre.