National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), headquartered in Mumbai under the ICMR, will test a re-usable pad that can be used by women for at least a year and another, a 100 per cent biodegradable pad, especially for the rural population.
The National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), headquartered in Mumbai under the ICMR, will test a re-usable pad that can be used by women for at least a year and another. (File)
Of the 355 million menstruating women in India, only 12 per cent have access to sanitary napkins, according to a 2011 research paper titled “Sanitary Protection: Every Woman’s Health Right”. Keeping the figures in mind and the fact that a huge number of women rely on cloth rags during their menses, several organisations have come up with innovative sanitary napkins. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now testing at least two such products for scientific viability.
The National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), headquartered in Mumbai under the ICMR, will test a re-usable pad that can be used by women for at least a year and another, a 100 per cent biodegradable pad, especially for the rural population.
“We raised money through crowdfunding and with experts from IITs and IIM Ahmedabad, designed a sanitary napkin,” said Dr Manmatha Mahato, the Head of Research and Development in Aakar Innovations that designed a pad named Anandi.
“Once testing begins, it will take six months to complete trials. We are selecting a target population to use the pads. In a few months, the used pads will be brought to the laboratory for testing,” said Dr Smita Mahale, the Director of NIRRH. In a laboratory, the NIRRH will test if the pads are entirely degradable.
“These companies are already supplying napkins to the rural population under Corporate Social Responsibility. The ICMR will provide it a scientific accreditation,” Mahale said, adding that economical options would benefit the rural and tribal population that often faces hygiene issues during menses.
Livinguard, which is manufacturing the re-usable pads, is hoping to significantly reduce waste generation. ‘Saafkins’ can be used by women 60 to 70 times in a year.
“Girls from rural areas drop out of school once they reach puberty because they cannot afford expensive pads. They rely on cloth rags that are prone to give them infections. So, we created a panty-cum-sanitary pad that they can wear for a full day and later wash,” said Shivani Swami, Senior Manager of marketing, at Livinguard.