Poonam Pandey dies of cervical cancer as Nirmala Sitharaman's announced cheaper vaccines for girls: Budget 2024

Poonam Pandey, the bold actress and social media personality, has allegedly passed away this morning due to Cervical Cancer, leaving the entertainment industry in shock and mourning. The 32-year-old, renowned for her modelling and strong social media presence, bravely fought against the disease before passing away.Nikita Sharma, Poonam’s manager, shared the heartbreaking news, stating, "Poonam Pandey was not only a luminary in the film industry, but she was also a beacon of strength and resilience.” Speaking to Hauterrfly, the actress’ manager said, “Her unwavering spirit amidst her health struggles was truly remarkable."As we come to terms with the tragic loss, her passing compels us all to recognize the critical need for increased awareness and proactive measures against preventable diseases like Cervical Cancer. Poonam Pandey is a multifaceted personality, known not only for her work in the entertainment industry but also for her vibrant presence on social media platforms. Her journey as a model and actress captivated audiences, showcasing her talent and charisma on screen. Her philanthropic endeavors have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.While this unfortunate event happened today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about the awareness of cervical cancer and said “Our Government will encourage vaccination for girls in age group of 9 to 14 years for prevention of cervical cancer” in her Interim Budget 2024 speech on 1 February.A report by IANS recently cited Dr. Neha Kumar, Senior Consultant, Gynaecological Oncology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad saying cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women accounting for about 18 per cent of all cancers occurring in this demographic group.Every year, over 1,20,000 new cases of cervical cancer disease are diagnosed out of whom more than 77,000 cases succumb to death owing to diagnosis during advanced stages of the cancer. This brings the mortality rate to approximately 63 per cent, the doctor was quoted as saying.With inputs from agencies