Karnataka government to launch 'Rutu Tare' health programme for women

The Karnataka government is set to launch a special programme focused on the health of women in the state aged 35 and above. According to a report by 'The Hindu', a three-month pilot project of this initiative, titled 'Rutu Tare - Karnataka State Mid-life Women's Health and Menopause Programme', will be implemented in the Dakshina Kannada district. Renowned actress and former MP Ramya has been appointed as the brand ambassador for this programme, and she will help in taking this message to women across the state.

State Health Minister U.T. Khader stated that the main objective of this initiative is to address health issues associated with perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, which have so far been ignored by treating them merely as a normal process of ageing. The minister emphasised that women's health is not limited to motherhood alone. Problems occurring during menopause such as insomnia, hot flashes, joint pain, weakening of bones, anxiety, and emotional changes are real and require timely diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment.

According to the order issued on 12 November, this programme has been planned based on the recommendations of the state's technical committee. Under this project, women will be provided with screening, clinical evaluation, counselling, treatment, and referral services. In addition, women will also be given a 'Mid-life Health Card'. The District Health Officer of Dakshina Kannada has been instructed to begin preparations by mapping Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, taluka and district hospitals, and medical colleges.

ASHA workers, ASHA mentors, community health officers, and nursing staff will be involved in the implementation process of the programme. Dedicated clinic sessions will be held every Wednesday at PHCs and hospitals, while clinics will be organised on Saturdays at medical colleges. This project also includes screening for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, screening for breast and cervical cancer will be conducted as per the protocol.

A 'green-yellow-red' risk classification system will be implemented by the mental health department to identify the mental state of women. The nutrition department will provide guidance on a balanced diet, intake of protein and calcium, bone health, and osteoporosis prevention. Awareness material will also be prepared in the Kannada language. The possibilities of creating a digital registry and dashboard will also be explored in this project. Based on the results of the three-month pilot project, a proposal will be submitted to expand this programme across Karnataka.

U.T. Khader serves as the Health Minister in the Karnataka government. He is known for strengthening public health facilities in the state and for formulating innovative policies, especially for women's health. He has previously played an important role in bringing various reforms to the state's health infrastructure, aimed at providing equitable health services in rural and urban areas.