Steps Taken to Promote Menstrual Health and Hygiene

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under the National Health Mission (NHM), implements the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) to promote menstrual health among adolescent girls. States/UTs receive support for the scheme based on proposals in their Annual Programme Implementation Plans. The scheme emphasizes awareness generation, provision of affordable sanitary napkins, safe disposal, and counselling on menstrual practices. IEC activities are carried out through health facilities, community platforms, frontline workers and digital channels. Monitoring is conducted via a multi‑layered framework that reviews state‑wise key deliverables in NPCC meetings and through annual Common Review Missions. The Menstrual Hygiene Policy for school‑going girls is coordinated with states/UTs to ensure access to safe and affordable menstrual hygiene measures in schools. The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, affirmed these steps in the Rajya Sabha.