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Dr. Neerja Bhatla, the former head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award for her outstanding contributions to the detection, prevention, and management of cervical cancer. The award recognizes her tireless efforts in advancing healthcare practices and raising awareness about the importance of cervical cancer prevention.
With a career spanning over 35 years, Dr. Bhatla has played a pivotal role in creating resource-based guidelines for cervical cancer screening, management, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, particularly in low-resource settings. Her groundbreaking work has helped shape cervical cancer prevention strategies across India and beyond.
Dr. Bhatla was a key member of the team responsible for conducting trials to establish the efficacy of the Serum Institute’s indigenously developed HPV vaccine. These trials were critical in advancing the fight against cervical cancer in India, providing affordable, accessible vaccination options to millions.
Even after her retirement from AIIMS, Dr. Bhatla remained committed to her mission. She continues to lead several research projects focused on cervical cancer prevention, including HPV epidemiology, affordable testing, and vaccines. Her passion for public health has kept her at the forefront of research on cervical cancer, especially in underserved areas.
In addition to her work in India, Dr. Bhatla also served as the chairperson of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), where she led the development of the FIGO Gynecologic Cancer Management Map. This map is a vital resource for clinicians worldwide, offering evidence-based guidance for managing gynecological cancers in resource-limited settings.
Dr. Bhatla’s exceptional dedication to women’s health has earned her widespread acclaim, and her recognition with the Padma Shri is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her immense contributions to the field.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not intend to offer any medical advice or endorsement. For personalized medical consultation, please consult a healthcare professional.
