The Cervical Cancer Elimination Campaign in Jharkhand has taken a monumental leap forward with the Indian Medical Association’s Women Doctors Wing leading the charge. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the National Health Mission has officially partnered with the IMA Women’s Wing Jharkhand, entrusting them with the mission to eliminate one of India’s deadliest—but preventable—cancers.
Under the leadership of Dr. Bharti Kashyap, this movement is transforming rural healthcare delivery, empowering gynecologists with training, and equipping government hospitals with modern diagnostic tools. With over 5 lakh women screened and thousands treated through cryotherapy, the campaign is being hailed as a model for the rest of the country—and possibly the world.
This blog dives deep into how the campaign is unfolding, why it matters, and what makes the ‘Jharkhand Model’ a beacon of hope in women’s healthcare.
📜 Historic MoU Empowers Women Doctors
In a landmark move, the IMA Women Doctors Wing, Jharkhand has signed a historic MoU with the National Health Mission (NHM) to spearhead the Cervical Cancer Elimination Campaign in the state. Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari officially handed over the memorandum to Dr. Bharti Kashyap, marking a monumental shift in India’s battle against cervical cancer.
🗞 “This is a historic and effective initiative by the National Health Mission and IMA that will become a milestone in cervical cancer elimination.” – Health Minister, Jharkhand
This initiative is a first-of-its-kind, positioning the IMA’s women doctors not just as medical practitioners but as changemakers leading one of India’s most pressing healthcare missions.
🎯 The Mission: Cervical Cancer Elimination
The Cervical Cancer Elimination Campaign aims to drastically reduce the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths in Jharkhand through widespread screening and early treatment. Even with over 5 lakh screenings completed since 2021, many districts still fall short of targets, demanding continuous effort and innovation.
Dr. Bharti Kashyap emphasized the importance of sustaining the momentum, as new cases continue to emerge annually. The campaign identifies early-stage symptoms like cervical erosion and uses cryo treatment to prevent progression into full-blown cancer.
🏥 The Jharkhand Model: A Nationwide Inspiration
Under Dr. Kashyap’s leadership, a unique and replicable “Jharkhand Model” has emerged. Collaborating with the state health department, the model focuses on:
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Mass Screening
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Spot Treatment
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Community Health Camps
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Training for Government Gynecologists
This structured and accessible approach has been recognized nationally for its effectiveness and scalability.
🗞 “The success of this campaign is being talked about across India as the ‘Jharkhand Model’.”
🧪 Training, Technology & Treatment
One of the strongest pillars of the campaign is capacity building. The IMA Women’s Wing organized training sessions by leading oncologists for state gynecologists in:
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Colposcopy
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Cryo-Guided Treatment
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Cervical Pre-Cancer Diagnosis
Advanced equipment like digital colposcopes and cryo machines have been deployed in 14 major government hospitals across the state, creating a robust diagnostic and treatment ecosystem.
💡 Why This Campaign Matters
Core Issue Summary
Every year, 67,000 women in India die from cervical cancer—a largely preventable disease if caught early. Cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among Indian women, yet it is also among the most treatable when detected on time.
The tragedy lies in the fact that lack of awareness, access, and screening leads to thousands of avoidable deaths. The Jharkhand initiative, with its grassroots reach and innovative model, directly addresses these gaps.
📌 Points to Remember:
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Over 5 lakh women have been screened in Jharkhand under this campaign.
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Around 2,792 cases of cervical erosion were successfully treated with cryo therapy.
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The model integrates government and private medical sectors for unified impact.
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Digital colposcopy units have been installed in 14 district hospitals.
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The campaign targets tribal and backward regions, bringing equity in healthcare access.
🌍 Global Stage: Dr. Kashyap to Present in the USA
Renowned eye surgeon and women’s health advocate, Dr. Bharti Kashyap, is set to represent India at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual conference in Los Angeles from April 25 to 30, 2025.
She will present two research papers, highlighting not just her ophthalmological innovations but also her public health leadership.
🗞 “Dr. Bharti will showcase Jharkhand’s pioneering healthcare model on a global platform.”
Her participation underscores the international recognition of Jharkhand’s work in cervical cancer prevention.
📰 Source: Prabhat Khabar – Jharkhand News
