In a concerted effort to address and promote menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has implemented the ‘Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene.’ Targeting girls in the age group of 10-19 years, this initiative is a vital component of the National Health Mission, with funds sanctioned based on proposals from States/Union Territories in their Programme Implementation Plan (PIP).
The primary objectives of the scheme include raising awareness among adolescent girls about menstrual hygiene, increasing access to high-quality sanitary napkins, and ensuring the safe disposal of sanitary napkins in an environmentally friendly manner.
To further bolster menstrual hygiene management, a joint letter dated 08.03.2022, from the Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), and the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, has advised states to utilize funds earmarked for various initiatives. These include Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and the management of menstrual waste under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase-II at the village level, installation or maintenance of incinerators in schools with girls from classes VI to XII, and creating awareness on MHM among adolescent girls and in society at large.
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, the Ministry has formulated a draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy (MHP) after consulting all stakeholders. The draft MHP is designed to provide comprehensive support throughout the menstrual journey, catering to the unique needs of individuals from menarche to menopause, with a specific focus on underserved and vulnerable populations. The policy aims to ensure equitable access to menstrual hygiene resources and address specific needs, acting as a catalyst to challenge societal norms and foster a society that embraces menstrual hygiene as a natural and normal part of life.
The draft MHP is envisioned to promote the health, well-being, and empowerment of individuals who menstruate. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, emphasizing the importance of menstrual hygiene as a critical aspect of overall health.
