Washington, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian-American radiation oncologist and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori has said that widespread Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has the potential to eliminate cervical cancer in India over the coming years, describing the disease as one that is largely preventable, detectable and curable.
In an interview with IANS, Dr. Nori said the introduction of HPV vaccination has significantly strengthened India’s fight against cervical cancer, expressing confidence that sustained immunisation efforts could dramatically reduce the disease burden.
“With the HPV vaccination, we have an upper hand, and in a few years, we’ll be able to eliminate cancer of the cervix from India,” he said.
Highlighting the urgency of preventive measures, Dr. Nori noted that nearly 200 women die from cervical cancer every day in India despite the disease being preventable and highly treatable when detected early. He welcomed the government’s decision to provide free HPV vaccination for girls, calling it an important step towards improving public health outcomes.
The noted oncologist also praised the progress made in India’s healthcare sector over the past decade, particularly in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. He cited the establishment of the National Cancer Institute, expansion of cancer care facilities, greater financial support for patients and reduced costs of imported chemotherapy medicines among the significant developments.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, Dr. Nori commended the government’s initiatives in strengthening cancer care infrastructure and expanding access to treatment.
Expressing optimism about the future, he said India is well-positioned to make substantial advances in cancer screening, early detection, prevention and treatment.
Reflecting on his own career, Dr. Nori said he moved to the United States nearly five decades ago and rose through the medical profession to head a department at an Ivy League medical school. He described the journey as an example of the opportunities available in America.
Dr. Nori was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2026 in the field of medicine, India’s third-highest civilian honour.
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