BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has issued an order to launch a three-month pilot of its mid-life women’s health and menopause programme, ‘Ruthu Taare’, in Dakshina Kannada district, with dedicated clinics and comprehensive health screenings for women aged 35 and above.The programme, which will cover women in perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, aims to address health concerns that often go undiagnosed or are dismissed as a normal part of ageing. It will offer screening for non-communicable diseases and cancers, mental health assessments, nutrition counselling and referral services.“Women’s health does not end with motherhood, and menopause should never be a journey women are expected to endure in silence,” said Health Minister U T Khader.According to the order issued by the Commissionerate of Health on November 12, dedicated clinic sessions will be held every Wednesday at primary health centres (PHCs), taluka hospitals and district hospitals. Saturday clinics will be organised at designated medical colleges, subject to feasibility and the availability of personnel.The screening will cover hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, apart from breast and cervical cancer screening. A Mid-Life Health Card will be developed to document screening results, clinical assessments, investigations, referrals and follow-ups.The programme will also address mental health concerns among women during mid-life. A Green-Yellow-Red risk classification system will be introduced to identify women requiring different levels of mental health support, with referral linkages to existing services, including Gruha Arogya.The order also states that nutrition counselling will focus on balanced diets, adequate protein and calcium intake, locally available nutritious foods, bone health, osteoporosis prevention and healthy weight management.District health authorities have been directed to map existing healthcare facilities, identify participating centres and assess the availability of infrastructure, personnel and specialist referral services. ASHAs, ASHA mentors, community health officers, medical officers and nursing staff will be trained to facilitate implementation.“Every woman deserves to age with dignity, live with good health and receive care at every stage of life,” Khader said.The district health officer will submit monthly progress reports. The pilot will be evaluated after three months based on screening coverage, referral completion, service availability, operational feasibility and resource requirements. Based on the findings, a proposal to refine the programme and expand it in phases across the state will be submitted, officials said.The initiative is part of Karnataka’s broader efforts to strengthen women’s healthcare. The state has also been working towards a dedicated women’s health policy, with an initial focus on menopause, and plans to introduce a one-year menopause fellowship to develop a specialist workforce.Actress and former MP Ramya, the ambassador for ‘Ruthu Taare’, welcomed the move on X, saying, “Menopause is finally on the public health map.”
