Free cancer vaccine for girls aged 0-14 across state: Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Saturday (March 1) announced that the Maharashtra government will provide free cancer vaccines to girls aged 0-14, highlighting growing concerns over rising cancer cases across the state.

"With changes in lifestyle, cancer cases are rising in both rural and urban areas. Previously, cancer was often linked to



specific addictions, but now it's being detected across all age groups, including children. This is highly concerning," he said.

"We have requested our Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar, to provide free cancer vaccinations to girls aged 0-14. He has agreed to implement this initiative through the Maharashtra government," Abitkar added.