Maha govt launches menopause, PCOD clinics across govt health facilities
Mumbai, Aug 10
In a pioneering initiative towards strengthening women's health services, the Maharashtra government has become the first state in India to establish dedicated Menopause and PCOD Clinics across its government health facilities.
To review implementation and strengthen service delivery, the state conducted a State‑Level Workshop on Menopause and PCOD Clinics at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Minister of State for Public Health Meghana Bordikar inaugurated the workshop in the presence of senior officials from the Public Health Department, experts in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and representatives from medical colleges and district health institutions across Maharashtra.
Recognising the growing burden of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age, and the physical, psychological and hormonal challenges experienced during menopause, Maharashtra has integrated comprehensive screening, counselling, treatment and referral services through dedicated clinics, said the minister.
At present, 580 government health facilities across the state are providing these specialised services. Since the launch of the initiative, over 1.27 lakh women have benefited through counselling, screening and treatment, making it one of the largest public‑sector women's health initiatives in the country, the minister added.
Speaking on the occasion, Bordikar emphasised that menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life but often remains neglected due to lack of awareness and social stigma. She stressed that timely counselling, early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve the quality of life of women. She reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening women's health services across Maharashtra.
The workshop included technical sessions on standardised clinical protocols, counselling approaches, diagnosis and management of menopause and PCOD, capacity building of healthcare providers, and strategies for strengthening referral services and monitoring of the programme.
Through this first‑of‑its‑kind initiative, Maharashtra continues to lead the way in advancing comprehensive women's healthcare by ensuring accessible, quality and holistic services for women across all stages of life, noted Bordikar.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good step by Maharashtra government. But honestly, 580 facilities sounds impressive until you realize how many villages and talukas we have. The real test will be whether these clinics have trained staff and medicines, or just a signboard. My aunt went to a government clinic for a different issue and had to buy everything from outside. Hope they back this up with proper resources.
My mother went through menopause without telling anyone, not even my dad. She suffered in silence for years thinking it was just 'normal aging'. This initiative is so important because our generation can finally tell our mothers and grandmothers that they don't have to suffer. So glad they're addressing the stigma too. 🙏
Respect to Maharashtra govt for doing this. But I wish they'd also start similar clinics in rural areas where women are even more neglected. My wife works in a village near Nashik and the nearest proper hospital is 30 km away. Government schemes are good on paper, but ground reality is different. Still, happy to see women's health finally getting the attention it deserves.
As a medical student, this is such a refreshing news. PCOD is so common among my friends and we all just ignore it because 'everyone has it'. The psychological aspects are never discussed. Kudos to the minister for acknowledging the mental and hormonal challenges too. This will make a real difference for women of all ages. 🌸
Good initiative, but let's be honest - most people in villages don't even know what PCOD or menopause clinics are. The government should also run awareness programs
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