Health policy, outbreaks & medicine
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign targeting 14-year-old girls, starting from Ajmer, Rajasthan. The campaign uses Gardasil 4, a single-dose quadrivalent vaccine protecting against HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11 that cause cervical cancer. This marks India's first state-funded HPV immunisation programme for this age group.
An explosion at SBL Energy Limited's packing unit in Nagpur on March 2, 2026 killed at least 12 workers and left 19 others with severe thermal burns covering 30-80% of their bodies. The blast occurred in the women-staffed packing unit shortly after the morning shift began. Families now wait at hospitals and morgues for medical updates or body identification via DNA analysis, expected to take 48 hours minimum.
The second day of Janaushadhi Week 2026 witnessed significant public engagement across multiple locations in India's affordable medicine awareness initiative. Organized by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the campaign aims to increase accessibility of generic drugs priced 50-90% lower than branded alternatives. Citizens participated actively in health camps and awareness sessions promoting Jan Aushadhi Kendra outlets nationwide.
India launched Janaushadhi Week 2026 on March 2, 2026, with health camps operating across the country to promote affordable generic medicines. The initiative, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, aims to increase awareness about low-cost quality drugs available through 10,000+ Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra (PMJK) outlets. Free consultations and medicine discounts are being offered during the week-long campaign.
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers launched Janaushadhi Week 2026 on March 2, 2026, with health camps operating across all Indian states and union territories. The initiative aims to increase awareness about affordable generic medicines available through 10,800+ Janaushadhi Kendras nationwide. Citizens can access medicines at 50-90% lower prices than branded equivalents during the campaign week.
