‘SUVIDHA’ ensures menstrual hygiene suvidhas to rural women

New Delhi, March 9: Celebrating Women’s Day with grand fervor, the country came across many exclusive scenario where women were given the actual respect and honor she deserves. In a similar framework, keeping in mind the idea of sanitation and menstrual hygiene, the center announced the launch of Suvidha, the 100-percent oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkin, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), in Delhi.

Ensuring ‘Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha’ for the underprivileged women of India, the sanitary napkin will be available for Rs. 2.50 per pad at over 3,200 Janaushadhi Kendras across the country. While addressing the media, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar said that this step taken by the Department of Pharmaceuticals will ensure the achievement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of affordable and quality healthcare for all.

 

The minister further said that the product would ensure affordability, hygiene as well as ease of use and disposal for them. Suvidha napkins would be available at all Janaushadhi Kendras in the country by May 28, 2018 – World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

 

The Minister further added that, such unhygienic aids cause fungal infections, reproductive tract infection, urinary tract infection, cervical cancer and also make women vulnerable to infertility. Moreover, the disposal of non-biodegradable sanitary napkins available today creates a huge environmental problem. The 100 percent biodegradable Suvidha napkin would ensure Swachhta.

According to the National Family Health Survey 2015-16, about 58 percent of women aged between 15 and 24 years use locally prepared napkins, sanitary napkins and tampons. Further, about 78 percent women in urban areas use unhygienic methods of protection during menstruation and only 48 percent women in rural areas have access to clean sanitary napkins.

Therefore it is a great initiative provided to the women by the center and a perfect gift for women on their special day.