The prestigious Padma Shri award has been conferred on Dr. Neerja Bhatla, the former Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS Delhi, for her outstanding contributions to the detection, prevention, and management of cervical cancer. Her work has brought hope and change to countless women, especially in low-resource settings across India.
A Lifelong Commitment to Cervical Cancer Prevention
Dr. Bhatla has devoted over 35 years to fighting cervical cancer. She has been instrumental in developing resource-based guidelines for:
- Cervical cancer screening
- Management of cervical cancer
- HPV vaccination
Her efforts have ensured that women, even in underserved communities, have access to affordable and effective cancer prevention strategies.
Leading Research in India
Even after retiring from AIIMS, Dr. Bhatla has continued her research efforts, focusing on:
- Screening in low-resource settings
- HPV epidemiology
- Trials to establish affordable HPV testing and vaccines
- Collaboration in testing the Serum Institute’s Indigenous HPV vaccine
Her leadership has helped create impactful solutions that are accessible to women across India.
Global Contributions
Dr. Bhatla has also made her mark internationally as the chairperson of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Under her guidance, the FIGO Gynecologic Cancer Management Map was developed, offering standardized, evidence-based approaches to managing gynecologic cancers worldwide.
Why Her Work Matters
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India, but it is highly preventable and treatable when detected early. Dr. Bhatla’s work has saved countless lives by advocating for awareness, HPV vaccination, and accessible screening methods.
Celebrating a Trailblazer
Dr. Neerja Bhatla’s recognition with the Padma Shri is a proud moment for India and the medical community. It highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to eliminate cervical cancer and improve women’s health.
What Can We Do?
- Educate Yourself: Learn about cervical cancer screening and the importance of HPV vaccination.
- Spread Awareness: Share information about cervical cancer prevention with your friends and family.
- Take Action: If you’re a woman, ensure you are up-to-date with your screenings and consider getting vaccinated.
Let’s honor Dr. Bhatla’s legacy by taking steps to prevent cervical cancer in our communities.
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