Lok Sabha Question No. 2290 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Access to Menstrual Hygiene Facilities
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2290 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.12.2023

## 'ACCESS TO MENSTRUALHYGIENE FACILITIES'

## 2290: SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA:

## Will the Minister of HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the progress made regarding formation of National Menstrual Hygiene Policy;
- (b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure access to sanitary pads and other menstrual hygiene facilities in schools and other educational institutions;
- (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure access to menstrual hygiene facilities to the vulnerable urban populations at formal and informal worksites;
- (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to address the disparity among States/ UTs in menstrual hygiene practices among rural adolescent women;
- (e) whether the Government has taken/proposed to take any measures to bridge the gaps of menstrual healthcare practices affecting the female incarcerated population in the country; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

## (a) to (f)

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.

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 Swachchh 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.

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