In a first for the country, the state government of Karnataka agreed to provide menstruation cups to all adolescent females in government schools. To begin, the health department launched the program in two districts on Wednesday by distributing cups to 300 girls aged 16 to 18 years.
The Karnataka Shuchi Scheme, a state government initiative, will restart giving sanitary pads and menstrual cups to schoolgirls after a three-year hiatus. On September 11, 2023, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao launched the project, which aims to create awareness about menstruation hygiene and distribute sanitary goods to females aged 10 to 18.
The Shuchi Scheme, which includes the Shuchi-Nanna Maithri project, began its pilot phase in Dakshina Kannada and Chamarajanagar districts, targeting 10,000 pre-university students in government and government-aided colleges, with intentions to expand nationwide.
Breaking the Menstrual Curse:
Menstrual cups, which are reusable devices that collect period fluid, provide a sustainable alternative to sanitary pads and tampons. Health Minister K. Sudhakar underlined the need for modern menstrual hygiene and encouraged females, particularly those from rural and tribal communities, to abolish menstrual forbidden subjects.
How to Use Menstrual Cups:
- Insertion: Fold and put the cup into the vagina to form a seal.
- Wearing time: Up to 12 hours; leak-proof and comfy.
- Removal and Cleaning: Pinch the base, pull out, drain, rinse, and reinstall.
Benefits of Menstrual Cups:
- Cost-effective: Reusable for up to ten years, which saves money.
- Eco-friendly: Produces less trash than throwaway products.
- Healthier: Made of medical-grade silicone, which reduces infection risks.
The Karnataka Shuchi Scheme represents a big step forward in menstrual hygiene management, empowering young girls to manage their periods safely and comfortably while also promoting improved health behaviors.
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
Inputs from Agencies
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