Ministry of Health and Family Welfare implements the ‘Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene’ to promote Menstrual Hygiene among adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 years. The funds are sanctioned based on the proposals received from the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) under National Health Mission. The major objectives of the scheme are to increase awareness among adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene, to increase access to and use of high-quality sanitary napkins by adolescent girls and to ensure safe disposal of sanitary napkins in an environmentally friendly manner.

In addition, vide a joint letter dated 08.03.2022 of Secretary, DoSEL and Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, the states have been advised to utilize funds earmarked for; (1) Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and Management of menstrual waste under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase-II at village level. (2) For installation or maintenance of incinerators in schools having girls from classes VI to XII and (3) For creating awareness on MHM among adolescent girls and in the society in general.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has formulated draft Menstrual Hygiene policy with consultation of all stakeholders. The draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy (MHP) ensures comprehensive support through the entire menstrual journey, recognizing the unique needs of individuals from menarche to menopause with specific focus on prioritizing underserved and vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to menstrual hygiene resources and addressing their specific needs. The policy serves as a catalyst to raise awareness, challenge societal norms and foster a society that embraces menstrual hygiene as a natural and normal part of life. The aim of the draft MHP is to promote the health, well-being and empowerment of individuals who menstruate.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar’s written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

 

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HFW/ PQ / Update on Access To Menstrual Hygiene Facilities/15December2023/3

(Release ID: 1986698)