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India Launches 4 Cent Biodegradable Sanitary Pads Under Public Health Scheme

The Indian government's sanitary napkins are aimed at not only combating the ill-effects of plastic and other non-degradable materials most modern sanitary pads are made of but also at providing rural and poor women with much-needed access to affordable menstrual hygiene products.
Sputnik

New Delhi (Sputnik): In a unique attempt to promote menstrual hygiene among women of all strata, the government of India has launched an affordable biodegradable sanitary pad brand to be sold through government-owned pharmaceutical outlets.

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Launching the product called "Suvidha," which is claimed by the government to be 100 percent oxo-biodegradable sanitary pad, Union Minister Ananth Kumar underlined on Thursday that it was part of the government initiative to provide affordable and quality healthcare for all. The disbursal and production of the Suvidha sanitary pads will be undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Janaushadi Pariyojana (PMBJP), the Narendra Modi-led government's ambitious scheme aimed at providing health facilities to the masses.

"The sanitary napkin will be available for Rs. 2.50 (around 4 cents) per pad at over 3,200 Janaushadhi Kendras across India and would ensure 'Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha' for the underprivileged women of India," Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar told media during the launch.

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