Kerala to open menopause clinics in district hospitals, budget allocates Rs 3 crore

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Thursday announced setting up specialised menopause clinics in district hospitals.

In the budget presented in the Assembly, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said that Rs 3 crore will be allocated to set up the clinics.

Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life, is often overlooked despite its profound physical and emotional impact.

Women can experience hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders, mental stress, and bone-related problems, leaving many in need of dedicated support.

The new clinics aim to provide medical consultations, mental health counselling, screenings for heart, bone, and hormonal health, along with medicines and guidance--all at a single location, official sources said.

Kerala follows in the footsteps of Maharashtra, which became the first state in India to launch dedicated menopause clinics in government hospitals and urban health facilities.

Maharashtra launched the initiative on Makar Sankranti (January 14) this year.