Karnataka to roll out mid-life women’s health programme; actor Ramya named brand ambassador

You don’t have any Active Subscription.

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

Health Minister U.T. Khader said the initiative seeks to address health concerns associated with perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, which were often dismissed as a natural part of aging. | Photo Credit: Photo for representation

Karnataka’s Health Department will launch a three-month pilot of its mid-life women’s health and menopause programme, Ruthu Taare, in Dakshina Kannada, covering women aged 35 and above. Actor and former MP Ramya has been appointed the brand ambassador of the programme.

Health Minister U.T. Khader said the initiative seeks to address health concerns associated with perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, which were often dismissed as a natural part of aging.

“Women’s health does not end with motherhood, and menopause should never be a journey women are expected to endure in silence. Sleepless nights, hot flashes, joint pain, weakening bones, anxiety and emotional changes are real health concerns. They deserve understanding, timely diagnosis and proper medical care,” he said.

Titled ‘Ruthu Taare - Karnataka State Mid-Life Women’s Health and Menopause Programme’, the initiative will provide screening, clinical assessment, counselling, treatment and referral services. Women will also be given a Mid-Life Health Card.

In an order dated November 12, the Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare Services said the State Technical Committee constituted for the programme had submitted its recommendations, based on which an action plan had been formulated and approved.

The District Health and Family Welfare Officer, Dakshina Kannada, has been directed to begin preparatory work, including mapping primary health centres (PHCs), Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, taluk and district hospitals, and designated medical colleges. The district will identify participating facilities, available infrastructure, personnel and specialist referral services.

Dedicated clinic sessions will be held every Wednesday at PHCs, taluk hospitals and district hospitals. Medical colleges will organise clinics on Saturdays, subject to the availability of staff and resources.

ASHAs, ASHA mentors, community health officers, medical officers and nursing personnel will be involved in implementing the programme.

Screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors will be integrated with existing non-communicable disease services. Breast and cervical cancer screening will also be facilitated in accordance with the State’s protocols.

The Mental Health Division will put in place mechanisms to identify, assess and refer women with mental health concerns. A Green-Yellow-Red risk classification system will be integrated with existing mental health services, including Gruha Arogya, to ensure appropriate follow-up and referral, the order stated.

The Nutrition Division will develop standardised counselling on balanced diet, adequate protein and calcium intake, locally available nutritious foods, bone health, osteoporosis prevention and healthy weight management. Awareness material in Kannada language on menopause, nutrition, physical activity, bone health and mental well-being will be prepared.

A standardised reporting system will capture screening coverage, risk classification, investigations, referrals, treatment and follow-up. The department will also examine the feasibility of a phased digital Ruthu Taare registry and an anonymised State-level dashboard.

The pilot project will be assessed after three months. Based on the findings, a proposal for refinement and phased expansion across Karnataka will be submitted.

Mr. Khader said Ms. Ramya’s voice and public influence would help take the message to women across Karnataka.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.