Walkathone organised by Karnal IMA to raise awareness on cervical cancer prevention

Indian Medical Association (IMA) organised a walkathone to spread awareness among women about cervical cancer in the city on Sunday. Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan and Mayor Renu Bala Gupta flagged off the walkthone.

Kalyan emphasised that public awareness is essential not only for health but also for development. He highlighted the importance of the recently launched HPV vaccine, which will protect girls from cervical cancer. He urged families to ensure timely vaccination.

The walkathon was flagged off from Karnal Club and concluded at the Civil Hospital. Expressing gratitude to the organisers, Kalyan said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to launch the HPV vaccine is a significant step toward safeguarding women’s health.

He said such awareness programmes yield positive outcomes and strengthen both society and the nation. “When citizens move forward with awareness, their participation in social causes increases, benefiting the community at large,” he added.

Mayor Gupta welcomed the government’s move, urging daughters to get vaccinated on time. She said the government is committed to both development and public health.

IMA President Dr. Salil Gupta said the association fully supports the government’s initiative. He pointed out that nearly 1 to 1.5 lakh women die annually in India due to cervical cancer, a tragedy that can be prevented with timely vaccination. He said that the vaccine has no adverse effects.

Civil Surgeon Poonam Chaudhary also appreciated the initiative and urged people to support the campaign against cervical cancer. IMA members and representatives of various social organisations also participated in this walkathon.