Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) 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
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