Indian-American radiation oncologist and 2026 Padma Bhushan recipient Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori believes widespread HPV vaccination has the potential to transform India’s fight against cervical cancer, saying the country is now in a strong position to significantly reduce and eventually eliminate the disease.
In an interview with IANS, Nori described cervical cancer as one of the few cancers that can be prevented, detected early, treated effectively, and even cured. He said the availability of HPV vaccines gives healthcare providers a powerful tool to protect future generations, expressing confidence that India can make remarkable progress in reducing the disease over the coming years.
According to Nori, cervical cancer continues to claim the lives of nearly 200 women every day in India, making prevention efforts more critical than ever. He welcomed the government’s decision to provide HPV vaccination free of cost for girls, noting that broader immunization coverage could substantially lower the number of new cases and improve women’s health outcomes nationwide.
The veteran oncologist also reflected on the progress India’s healthcare system has made over the past decade, particularly in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. He said several important initiatives have strengthened the country’s ability to deliver better cancer care and expanded access to medical services.
Among the developments he highlighted was the establishment of the National Cancer Institute, which he described as a major milestone for India’s healthcare infrastructure. Nori also pointed to the expansion of cancer hospitals and outpatient treatment centers, improved financial support for patients, and efforts to make imported chemotherapy medicines more affordable.
He praised the government’s focus on strengthening cancer care through multiple initiatives and said these measures have improved access to treatment for patients across the country. Nori added that continued investments in healthcare infrastructure and preventive medicine would further strengthen India’s fight against cancer.
Looking ahead, the renowned physician expressed optimism about India’s future in oncology. He said he expects continued advancements in cancer screening, early detection, prevention strategies, and treatment, which could lead to better patient outcomes and lower mortality rates.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Nori recalled moving to the United States nearly five decades ago and gradually rising through the medical profession to lead a department at an Ivy League medical school. He described his career as an example of the opportunities available through dedication and hard work.
Earlier this year, Dr. Nori was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to medicine. He remains a respected voice in global oncology and continues to advocate for preventive healthcare measures that can save lives and reduce the burden of cancer.
