Karnataka Launches Menopause Health Pilot Programme in Dakshina Kannada

Karnataka's New Initiative for Women's Health

The Karnataka government is taking a significant step towards enhancing women's health with the launch of 'Ruthu Taare', a pilot programme aimed at addressing menopause and mid-life health concerns. The programme will be implemented over three months in the Dakshina Kannada district and is designed specifically for women aged 35 and older.

Comprehensive Health Screenings

This initiative focuses on women experiencing perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. The aim is to help tackle various health issues that are often overlooked or wrongly attributed to the normal aging process. Participants will benefit from comprehensive health screenings that include assessments for non-communicable diseases, mental health evaluations, and cancer screenings.

Health Minister U T Khader emphasized, “Women’s health does not end with motherhood, and menopause should never be a journey women are expected to endure in silence.”

Dedicated Clinics and Services

As per the order issued on November 12, designated clinics will operate every Wednesday at local primary health centers, taluka hospitals, and district hospitals. Additionally, Saturday clinics will be set up at selected medical colleges, depending on personnel availability.

Medical screenings will focus on critical health factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, along with breast and cervical cancer. A 'Mid-Life Health Card' will be created to document each participant's screening outcomes, clinical evaluations, referrals, and follow-up care.

Addressing Mental Health and Nutrition

In addition to physical health, the programme will also prioritize mental well-being. A risk classification system, utilizing a Green-Yellow-Red categorization, will help identify levels of mental health support needed by participants and connect them to existing services, including Gruha Arogya.

Nutrition counselling will be another crucial aspect, focusing on balanced diets, and ensuring sufficient protein and calcium intake. The guidance will include recommendations for locally sourced nutritious foods, bone health maintenance, and strategies for managing weight effectively.

Mapping Healthcare Facilities and Training Staff

District health authorities are tasked with evaluating current healthcare facilities to identify participating centers and assess the readiness of infrastructure, personnel, and referral services. Community health workers, including ASHAs, will receive training to ensure the successful rollout of the programme.

Minister Khader reiterated the importance of dignified aging in his remarks, stating, “Every woman deserves to age with dignity, live with good health and receive care at every stage of life.”

Evaluating the Pilot Programme

The pilot programme's impact will be assessed after three months based on several metrics, including screening reach, completion of referrals, service availability, and operational viability. Following this evaluation, a proposal to enhance and possibly expand the initiative statewide will be formulated.

'Ruthu Taare' reflects Karnataka's commitment to improving women's health care. Plans are also in place for establishing a dedicated women's health policy, with the initial focus on menopause, along with a fellowship program aimed at developing a specialized workforce to address these crucial health issues.

Actress and former MP Ramya, who is the ambassador for 'Ruthu Taare', praised the initiative, stating on X, “Menopause is finally on the public health map.”