An essential natural process from where the life begins- Menstruation, which is still a hush-hush topic in India. Talking about menstrual hygiene is another hustle for Indian women. They tend to shy away from this discussion. Here is the Rajasthan Government’s initiative to break taboo as Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje already announced the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) with Budget-2018 in February.
In a bid to bolster the cause of ensuring menstrual hygiene among women, Government has officially launched the scheme on Monday.Launch event organized at Directorate of Women empowerment (DEW), Jaipur.
Allocation of 76 crore rupees has been proposed for the scheme in this year’s budget. Approximate 1.2 crore women from the age group of 15-45 years will be reaping the benefits of the scheme. Sanitary napkins distribution and spreading hygiene message are the main targets.
An initiative for the sake of women’s health According to Nation Family Health Survey report (2015-16), only 55 percent of women (15-14 years) are using hygiene protection methods during their menstrual periods. In urban areas, the situation is slightly better in comparison to the rural areas. Data shows 78% of women in urban areas and about 50% of women in rural areas are using sanitary napkins, locally prepared pads and tampons as the hygiene methods.
Survey says that 45% of women (15-24 years) in the state are at a risk of getting exposed to menstrual hygiene-related problems such as fungal infection, urinary tract infection, reproductive tract infection and other health disorders. To change the scenario, Government of Rajasthan initiated this revolutionary scheme. As the first part of the scheme, DEW teams will conduct sensitization about the concern. Thereafter sanitary pads will be distributed to the females in schools, colleges, Anganwadi centers and health centers.
