The Leuva Patidar Society has initiated the Shakti Vandana campaign, aimed at safeguarding unmarried daughters within the community from cervical cancer. Through generous donations from society members, vaccination camps were organised at a cost of more than Rs 25,00,000. Girls aged 9 to 14 years received two doses of the cervical cancer vaccine, while those aged 15 to 29 years received three doses. The campaign received substantial support from donors in America and Ahmedabad, enabling its successful implementation.
The inaugural phase of the campaign took place at Patidar Hostel in Gandhinagar on the evenings of February 23 and 24. The event was graced by donors, esteemed guests including the District Health Officer, and gynaecologists from the society. A total of 280 girls received vaccinations on the first day, followed by 325 girls on the second day, marking a promising start to the initiative.
Special provision in the Union Budget
Expressing concern over the rising cases of cervical cancer, the central government made a special provision in this year's budget to provide the vaccine to girls aged 9 to 14 nationwide. Despite this initiative, the Patidar community of Patan has chosen to proactively vaccinate girls with the assistance of donors, aiming to extend support to underprivileged sections of society.