Sanitary Napkin At Rs 1 Encourage Menstrual Hygiene

Sanitary Napkin At Rs 1 Encourage Menstrual Hygiene

Women’s health and hygiene have always been a serious issue in India. Keeping in view of the present scenario, a social drive by Jan Aushadhi Suvidha has made available 6300 sanitary napkins in Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojna – PMBJP Kendras across the country at a minimum price of Rs.1/-per pad. While the market price is around Rs. 3/- to Rs. 8/- per pad, the mission has the minimal price of Rs.1 per pad.

The affordable price of sanitary napkins will help in making women and girls aware and encourage them to understand the necessity of menstrual health and hazards of ignorance. In many parts of the country, girls are prohibited from certain things and places like the kitchen, temples etc during their periods. In rural areas, they do not have access to sanitary products or they do not opt for them as most of these items are either unavailable or unaffordable.

Launched on the eve of World Environment Day 2018, over 4.61 crore sanitary pads have been sold at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras by June 2020. After the revision in the prices in August 2019, over 3.43 crore pads have been sold till 10th June 2020.

Although we are developing in terms of technology and science, the acceptance of the menstrual process as a natural thing is still facing social, cultural, and religious restrictions. It is still unaccepted as a biological cycle which is a big barrier in the path of the menstrual hygiene management. 

This step has ensured ‘Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha’ for the underprivileged women of India, and it is taken up by the Union Department of Pharmaceuticals to ensure affordable and quality healthcare for all.

These sanitary napkins are made with Oxo-biodegradable material complying with ASTM D-6954 standards which makes them environmentally friendly.

During the current global pandemic, PMBJP Kendras are ensuring the availability of medicines and essentials to anyone who needs them. More than 1.42 Crore pads have been sold in the month of March, April & May 2020, across the country under the mission. The sanitary napkins are available across all Kendras.