Diplomat Correspondent
Leh:DD, In a major step towards preventive healthcare for young girls in Ladakh, LAHDC, Leh today launched the Free Cervical Cancer Vaccination ( Gardisal 9 vaccine ) Drive for adolescent girls aged 15 to 18 years.
The campaign was formally inaugurated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Jewetsal Photang, Choglamsar, in the presence of local officers, health professionals, and members of the society.
The launch ceremony saw the presence of several key dignitaries including Chairman/ CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Deputy Chairman LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchok; DC Leh, Romil Singh Donk; CPO Leh Tsewang Gyalson; OSD to CEC Deachen Chondol; CCF Dr. Zulfiqar Ali; CMO Dr. Dolma Chuskit; MS of SNM Hospital Dr. Rinchen Chosdon, and Urgain Gyatso from the Phande Lekjin Welfare Society.
This important initiative is being carried out under the LAHDC, Leh Subsidy Scheme 2025, through the Medical Department Leh, in collaboration with the Phande Lekjin Welfare Society. The vaccination will be provided free of cost, particularly targeting underprivileged school-going adolescent girls, with the aim of reducing the risk of cervical cancer through timely immunization.
As schools are currently closed for summer holidays, the actual roll-out of the vaccination will begin from August 5, across various sub-divisional hospitals in the district. The vaccine will be administered in two doses over a six-month interval, following national health guidelines for effective protection.
The launch comes at a meaningful time, as LAHDC Leh has declared the month of July as the “Month of Compassion” to commemorate the 90th birth year of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Throughout this month, various welfare and charitable activities have been organised across the district, highlighting the values of care, service, and compassion that His Holiness embodies. The HPV vaccination drive reflects the same spirit, focusing on the health and well-being of Ladakhi girls.
A deeply moving moment during the launch was when Jigmet Dolma, a specially-abled student from CWSN School Choshot Yokma, became the first recipient of the HPV vaccine. She was warmly blessed by His Holiness, symbolizing the inclusive spirit of the initiative and the shared commitment to ensure no child is left behind in matters of health and protection.
The campaign has been initiated under the leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Chairman/CEC, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, whose continued efforts in prioritising public health and youth welfare were widely acknowledged during the event.DD
