Sudha Murthy’s Parliament Speech

Sudha Murthy’s Parliament Speech Resonates with Women Across India

Sudha Murthy, the esteemed author and philanthropist, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech in the Upper House of Parliament on Wednesday. Nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, Murthy’s address focused on a critical yet often overlooked issue: women’s health.

Key Highlights of the Speech:

Focus on Women’s Health: In her 13-minute address, Murthy highlighted the importance of women’s health, drawing from her personal background in a family of doctors.
Cervical Cancer Awareness: She emphasized the alarming statistics surrounding cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in India, and the need for increased awareness and access to preventive measures. Sudha Murthy’s Parliament Speech.

Personal Commitment to Women’s Health:

Sudha Murthy's Parliament Speech — Sudha Murthy’s Parliament Speech

“In my first speech at the Rajya Sabha, I shed light on an issue that’s close to my heart. Coming from a family of doctors, I realized that women’s health is very important and often neglected. These learnings have taught me the significance of creating a secure healthcare system for women. Today, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in India. Making the cervical cancer vaccine accessible to women at an early age is the first step to accelerating this change,” Murthy shared on Instagram, captioning her video. Sudha Murthy’s Parliament Speech

Cervical Cancer in India:

Cervical cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in India. The disease’s prevalence is heightened by factors such as lack of awareness, limited access to screening programs, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a primary risk factor, is often exacerbated by socio-economic disparities and cultural barriers to preventive care. Sudha Murthy’s Parliament Speech

Advocacy for Government-Backed Vaccination Programme:

Murthy strongly advocated for a government-backed vaccination programme aimed at combating cervical cancer. She highlighted the effectiveness of the cervical vaccination, which is administered to girls aged nine to 14. Sudha Murthy’s Parliament Speech

“There is a vaccination which is given to girls, between the age of nine and 14, known as a cervical vaccination. If the girls take that, it (cancer) can be avoided… we should promote vaccination for the benefit of our girls because prevention is better than cure,” she said. Sudha Murthy’s Parliament Speech

Government’s Role and Financial Considerations:

Murthy suggested leveraging the government’s experience with the COVID-19 vaccination drive to implement the cervical vaccination program effectively. She noted that the cervical vaccination, developed in the West and in use for the past 20 years, has proven to be effective and is relatively affordable.

“It worked very well. It is not expensive. Today, it is Rs 1,400 for people like me who are in the field. If the government intervenes and negotiates… you can bring it to Rs 700-800. We have such a large population. It will be beneficial for our girls in the future,” she stated.

Budget Proposal for Cervical Cancer Vaccination:

On February 1, 2024, while presenting the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a vaccination program to prevent cervical cancer and amalgamate various schemes for maternal and child care. The program will target girls aged 9 to 14 years for cervical cancer prevention, and the government will encourage vaccination among eligible categories.

Conclusion

Sudha Murthy’s impactful speech in the Rajya Sabha not only shed light on a critical health issue but also called for immediate action to protect future generations. Her advocacy for accessible cervical cancer vaccination underscores the need for a robust healthcare system that prioritizes preventive care for women. By championing such initiatives, Murthy has set a precedent for addressing pressing women’s health issues at the highest levels of government, inspiring hope and action for a healthier future for all Indian women.