The napkins will be available at the Jan Ausadhi Kendras from May 28
The government today launched biodegradable sanitary napkins, priced at Rs 2.50 per pad, on International Women’s Day.
The napkins which will be available at the 3200 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras in a pack of four pads for Rs 10. Supplies to all Kendras would be completed by May 28, 2018, which is the date from which they will start selling the napkins, the minister said.
According to the National Family Health Survey 2015-16, about 58 per cent of women aged between 15 to 24 years use locally prepared napkins, sanitary napkins and tampons
An initiative of the department of pharmaceuticals, the napkins have been given the brand name Suvidha. At a time when average market price of four sanitary napkins is around Rs 32, the government has launched these oxo-biodegradable pads priced at Rs 10 for four pads for health security of women. Kumar said that this is a special gift for all women on the occasion of International Woman’s day, as this unique product would ensure affordability, hygiene as well as ease of use and disposal.
While other sanitary napkins available in markets are non-biodegradable, these are biodegradable, he added. The launch is in line with the aim of the Prime Minister to make quality drugs available at affordable prices to common people, Kumar said. According to the National Family Health Survey 2015-16, about 58 per cent of women aged between 15 to 24 years use locally prepared napkins, sanitary napkins and tampons. About 78 percent women in urban areas use hygienic methods of protection during menstrual period; only 48 percent women in rural areas have access to clean sanitary napkins.
Speaking about the supply chain management under the PMBJP scheme, MoS Mansukhlal Mandaviya said that the ministry has been continuously fine-tuning the supply chain and monitoring it through an online tracking software to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential medicines on the PMBJP Kendras across the country. He added that the private sector is studying the supply chain management of the PMBJP scheme.
