Workshop Held in Patna to Improve Ayushman Bharat Implementation

The Government of India on Monday, 16 February 2026, announced the launch of a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program aimed at accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer among girls aged 14 years and older. Health officials said the initiative will provide free HPV vaccines through school-based and community health campaigns, with a priority on reaching girls before potential exposure to the virus. The vaccination drive is being rolled out across all states and Union Territories, supported by enhanced cold-chain logistics and training of healthcare workers for smooth delivery. The programme follows global recommendations that widespread HPV immunisation can significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence, complementing existing screening and treatment services. Health Ministry sources said the campaign will be monitored through digital registries to ensure high coverage and follow-up. India’s move comes amid renewed global focus on eliminating cervical cancer as a public health concern, particularly in regions where the disease accounts for a significant burden of morbidity and mortality among women. Officials emphasised that community awareness and education will be critical to achieving the programme’s objectives. ”With this vaccination programme, we are taking a major step toward a future free of cervical cancer,” a senior health ministry official said. © Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.

A tragic accident in Khagaul, Patna, has left a family devastated after a two-year-old toddler died today from choking on a piece of candy, police and hospital officials confirmed. The incident occurred at the child’s home in the morning when the toddler, identified as Rudra Kumar, was playing while eating sweets under the supervision of an elder sibling. According to family members, Rudra began to cough uncontrollably after attempting to swallow a hard candy. The situation escalated rapidly, and despite efforts by relatives to dislodge the obstruction, the child’s condition deteriorated. Emergency services were called, and Rudra was rushed to a nearby healthcare facility, where doctors attempted resuscitation and emergency treatment, but he was declared dead shortly after arrival. Local police recorded the incident as an accidental death and initiated a preliminary inquiry. Officers said that there were no signs of foul play, and the tragic event appears to be a heartbreaking case of accidental choking. A post-mortem examination has been ordered to confirm the official cause of death and rule out any other medical factors. Neighbours and community members expressed shock and sympathy for the family, noting that such accidents particularly among young children can happen suddenly and with little warning. Child safety advocates emphasised the importance of adult supervision when young children are eating, especially foods or items that pose choking hazards like hard candies, nuts or small toys. Medical professionals reiterated that parents and caregivers should offer age-appropriate foods, avoid giving toddlers small, hard items, and learn basic first-aid techniques such as infant choking relief and CPR, which can be lifesaving in emergencies. They also suggested keeping emergency numbers easily accessible and seeking immediate help at the first sign of distress. Rudra’s family members, overwhelmed with grief, appealed to parents to remain vigilant and urged the community to spread awareness about choking risks among children. Local leaders and neighbours offered support and condolences, saying that the loss underscores the importance of constant adult supervision and readiness to respond quickly when young children are eating or playing. The police said they will file a detailed report and assist the grieving family with any necessary legal documentation. © Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.

Patna’s Food Safety Department conducted a surprise inspection today at Jubilee Café, located near the Patna Civil Court, resulting in immediate action after multiple food-safety violations were uncovered. The inspection was part of an ongoing citywide drive to ensure hygiene compliance and protect consumer health as winter sets in and infections rise. Teams arrived unannounced during peak hours and found several issues, including improper storage of ingredients, unlabelled food packets, inadequate cleanliness in food preparation areas and lapses in staff hygiene practices. Inspectors also noted the absence of valid food-safety permits displayed at the premises, a requirement under national food-regulation norms. The Food Safety Officer in charge stated that some raw materials were stored above permissible humidity exposure limits, and several expiry dates could not be verified. As a result, officers seized unfit food items and temporarily sealed relevant storage sections. The café’s management was directed to present complete documentation — including health-certified supply records and staff hygiene certificates — within a stipulated period or face further enforcement measures. Customers present during the inspection expressed surprise, noting that the café is a frequently visited spot for lawyers, court staff and visitors. Local residents welcomed the probe, saying food hygiene must be non-negotiable, especially near public institutions like the Civil Court where footfall is high. Food Safety officials advised eateries across Patna to maintain proper standards and warned of intensified monitoring in the coming weeks, especially at high-traffic zones and near institutional clusters. © Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.