SC landmark verdict is a positive step towards gender-sensitive governance……

New Delhi: The Supereme Court of India (SC) Iandmark verdict on Friday on menstruation is a major positive step towards gender-sensitive governance, recognising menstruation as a public health and human rights issue rather than a social taboo, said Dr. Purohit.

Echoing his sentiments here The apex court has declared that menstrual hygiene is an integral part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
This will have far- reaching implications for women’s health .
The judgment is expected to guide future policies related to school infrastructure, public health,  women’s welfare and empowerment.

The Supreme Court’s directions aim to ensure that no girl is forced to compromise her education or dignity due to lack of menstrual hygiene support, marking a significant shift in India’s constitutional and social framework.

The apex court in its verdict has observed that access to proper menstrual hygiene facilities is essential to dignity, health, equality and bodily autonomy, and that denial of such facilities directly affects the education and well-being of adolescent girls across the country.
It is to be noted that the girls in private and government schools must be provided sanitary napkins free of cost as per apex court’s directive so as to ensure that menstruation does not become a barrier to regular school attendance.

—————————————————–                                                                                                                                                             Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state Health organizations.                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr. Purohit is also Chief Advisor Hospitals Association  of India  and Chief Investigator  Association of Studies for Kidneycare.