Leh: In a landmark move towards strengthening preventive healthcare for young girls in Ladakh, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama today formally launched the Free Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive at Jewetsal Photang, Choglamsar. The initiative, part of the LAHDC, Leh Subsidy Scheme 2025, is being implemented through the Medical Department Leh in collaboration with the Phande Lekjin Welfare Society.
Targeting adolescent girls aged 15 to 18, the campaign will offer Gardasil-9 HPV vaccines free of cost, with a special focus on underprivileged school-going children. The programme aims to significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer through timely immunization.
The official launch ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including Hon’ble Chairman/CEC, Adv. Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Shri Tsering Angchok; Deputy Commissioner Leh, Shri Romil Singh Donk; Chief Planning Officer, Shri Tsewang Gyalson; OSD to CEC, Ms. Deachen Chondol; CCF Dr. Zulfiqar Ali; CMO Dr. Dolma Chuskit; MS of SNM Hospital, Dr. Rinchen Chosdon; and Mr. Urgain Gyatso from the Phande Lekjin Welfare Society.
The actual rollout of the vaccination will commence from August 5 across sub-divisional hospitals in the district, following national health guidelines. Each beneficiary will receive two doses at a six-month interval for effective protection.
The initiative is part of LAHDC Leh’s “Month of Compassion” campaign, marking the 90th birth year of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Throughout July, various social welfare and health programmes have been organised to promote values of compassion, care, and service inspired by His Holiness.
A touching moment during the event was when Miss Jigmet Dolma, a specially-abled student from CWSN School, Choshot Yokma, became the first recipient of the HPV vaccine. Her vaccination, followed by a warm blessing from His Holiness, reflected the spirit of inclusivity and the commitment to leave no child behind in healthcare initiatives.
The campaign has been spearheaded under the guidance of Hon’ble CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson, whose leadership in prioritising youth health and public welfare was widely lauded at the event. This initiative marks a critical step forward in building a healthier, cancer-free future for the girls of Ladakh.
