Govt launches Rs 2.5 low-cost sanitary napkins

In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of delivering health products at affordable costs, the Government on Thursday launched a low-cost biodegradable sanitary napkins "Suvidha" to be available across 586 districts through Central medicine distribution outlets Janaushadhi.

The set of four napkins will cost Rs 10 as against existing corresponding prices for similar packs of non biodegradable pads being anywhere between Rs 30 to Rs 80.

"This is a special gift for women of India on the occasion of Women's Day. From the average price of Rs 8 a napkin we are bringing down the cost to Rs 2.50. These are the first

set of biodegradable sanitary napkins to be available in the market.

"These are much cheaper than Carefree, Stayfree and Whisper pads available in the markets," Union Minister for chemicals and fertilisers Ananth Kumar said at a press conference here.

The Suvidha napkins can be bought at all 3,200 jan aushadhi stores across 586 districts and are easy to use and dispose.

There has been regular need for bio-degradable pads as the non biodegradable sanitary pads being manufactured on huge profits by top companies contain chemicals, gels and plastic sheets which make them leak proof and pose health hazards due to chemical contents.

Ananth Kumar said Suvidha answered everyone's concerns by addressing all three challenges around sanitary pads - Suvidha, Swasthya and Swachhta.

Suvidha sanitary pads are also expected to be within the reach of the poor girls who due to poor menustral hygiene face several health hazards such as fungal infections, reproductive tract infection, urinary tract infection.

According to an estimate by PATH, Water aid and Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council , India generates an estimated 13 tonnes of menustral waste annually in the form of 12.3 billion disposed sanaitary pads.