Sudha Murty Calls for Govt-Backed Cervical Cancer Vaccine in First Speech as Rajya Sabha Member

New Delhi: Philanthropist, author and educator Sudha Murty made her maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha and primarily raised two issues, namely, a government-backed cervical cancer programme and promotion of domestic tourism.

Sudha Murty Calls For Govt-Backed Cervical Cancer Vaccine Programme

The first important issue raised by Sudha Murty is a government-sponsored cervical cancer vaccine programme to combat cervical cancer and ensure safety of the females.

In her speech, Sudha Murty said, "There is a vaccination which is given to girls, between the age of nine to 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."

The educator and author, along with raising the issue, has also explained how for the government, this will not be problematic to implement. Sudha Murty said that just how the government handled a 'very big vaccination drive during Covid', this too will not be difficult.

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

Rajya Sabha Chair Rajeev Shukla has asked Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw to convey her message to the Health Minister.

Rajya Sabha Member on Promotion of Domestic Tourism

Sudha Murty also talked about working towards promoting domestic tourism and focus on the 57 sites which are yet to become World Heritage Sites instead of those which are already part of the list.

"In India, we have 42 World Heritage sites but 57 are pending... we should bother about those 57 sites," said Murty. She included the old monuments of Sarnath, Lingaraja Temple, Chausath Yogini temple in Mitawali and Gol Gumbad among others.

The Rajya Sabha speech of the wife of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murty has been appreciated by one and all and is also being circulated on social media. The philanthropist has been lauded for her efforts and recognition of issues that matter.