The Government of India has recently clarified its position on the implementation of cervical cancer vaccination under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). This clarification came in response to Unstarred Question No. 267 raised in the Rajya Sabha on 02 December 2025, regarding the rollout of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years.
Here is a detailed and easy-to-understand explanation of what the government said and what it means for CGHS beneficiaries.
Interim Budget 2024 Announcement on Cervical Cancer Vaccination
In the Interim Budget 2024-25, the Hon’ble Finance Minister announced that the Government would encourage vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years to prevent cervical cancer. This announcement highlighted the Government’s commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare, especially for women.
The statement raised expectations that the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine would soon be made available under government health schemes such as CGHS.
Has CGHS Started Cervical Cancer Vaccination?
As per the official reply given by the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, the CGHS has not yet initiated the administration of the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine for its beneficiaries.
Despite the Budget announcement, the vaccination programme has not been implemented under CGHS dispensaries or wellness centres as of now.
Reason for Non-Implementation Under CGHS
The Government clarified that the delay is due to existing CGHS guidelines. Under the current rules:
- Vaccines are generally not admissible under CGHS
- Only the following vaccines are allowed:
- Hepatitis-B
- Influenza
- Leprovac (for high-risk individuals)
Even these vaccines are provided only on the recommendation of a specialist, with proper medical justification and countersigned approval from the Head of the concerned Government Hospital department.
Since the HPV vaccine is not included in the approved CGHS vaccine list, it cannot be provided automatically under the scheme at present.
Timeline for Availability of HPV Vaccine Under CGHS
The Government has not announced any specific timeline for making the cervical cancer vaccine available under CGHS across dispensaries and wellness centres.
The official reply only reiterates the Budget statement about encouraging vaccination, without committing to a rollout schedule or policy change under CGHS.
What This Means for CGHS Beneficiaries
- The Government supports cervical cancer prevention through vaccination in principle.
- However, CGHS rules have not yet been amended to include the HPV vaccine.
- Any future inclusion would require policy changes and updated guidelines.
Until then, CGHS beneficiaries will need to rely on private vaccination or state-specific health programmes, if available.
Conclusion
While the Interim Budget 2024 highlighted the importance of cervical cancer vaccination for young girls, the CGHS has not started providing the HPV vaccine due to existing admissibility rules. No official timeline has been shared yet for its inclusion under CGHS.
Beneficiaries and stakeholders should watch for future policy updates or guideline revisions from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding preventive vaccinations under CGHS.