Karnataka to introduce dedicated health policy for women

Karnataka's Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader announced the introduction of a dedicated health policy for women, named "Ruthutaare," which will be the first of its kind in the country. The policy will primarily focus on addressing menopause-related issues among women, a concern that often leads to mental and health challenges.

Khader stated that current women's health programs are often lumped into a general health policy, resulting in reduced priority for women's specific needs. He explained that the new Ruthutaare policy aims to offer preventive measures to manage mental stress during menopause without relying on medication. To bring this initiative to life, a policy committee headed by Dr Jyotsna Mirlay has been established.

Actress and former MP Ramya has been appointed as the brand ambassador to help spread awareness and ensure the initiative reaches the people. The process will begin with a house-to-house survey conducted by ASHA workers to gather data on women in the perimenopause and menopause stages. The policy proposal will then be discussed with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for nationwide implementation.