Chennai: In a move aimed at ensuring menstrual
hygiene in rural area, Tamil Nadu government on Thursday announced
implementation of a scheme under which 18 bags of six sanitary
napkins each would be provided to girls and women every year.
The Rs 44.21 crore free sanitary napkin scheme, touted by
the state government as the first-of-its-kind initiative in
the country, would also cover women prisoners, a press release
here said.
Health Minister V S Vijay had announced the scheme in the
state Assembly recently.
Teachers in government schools would supply the napkins
to girl students, while the services of rural nurses and
anganwadi employees will also be utilised for implementation
of the scheme, the release said.
Periodic assessment of women and girls` health would be
made and a registry of it will be maintained. Women will be
provided iron tablets every week to prevent anaemia, it said.
A committee comprising officials of Health, Social
Welfare and School Education Departments will monitor
implementation of the scheme, the release said.
PTI
