New Delhi: States and union territories are being supported financially to run their own menstrual hygiene schemes under the National Health Mission, based on proposals they submit in their annual implementation plans, the Rajya Sabha heard on Monday. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel gave the details in a written reply.
Patel said menstrual health is a wide-ranging issue that cuts across several ministries and departments, requiring coordinated action from both the Centre and states within their respective areas of responsibility.
A scheme built around awareness and access
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare runs the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme specifically for adolescent girls. It centres on four things: raising awareness, making quality and affordable sanitary napkins available, ensuring these are disposed of safely and without harming the environment, and offering counselling on safe menstrual practices.
To support this, the ministry runs ongoing information and awareness campaigns through health facilities, community platforms, frontline health workers, digital channels and programmes aimed specifically at adolescents.
How progress is tracked
Patel said the scheme is monitored through a multi-layered system. State-wise performance is reviewed against approved targets during National Programme Coordination Committee meetings held with all states and union territories. On top of this, annual Common Review Missions carry out independent, on-the-ground checks of how well the programme is being implemented, how health systems are holding up, and whether key targets are being met.
Extending the policy into schools
Working alongside other relevant ministries, the government is also rolling out the Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls. States and union territories are expected to act through their own departments to make sure schoolgirls have access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities that are safe, effective and affordable.