New Era for Women's Health
The state of Maharashtra has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative by establishing 580 specialized Menopause Clinics within its public health infrastructure.
These centers, operational in government hospitals and urban health facilities, commenced their services on January 14, 2026. The primary objective is to offer women accessible and specialized outpatient services every Wednesday, focusing on addressing the multifaceted physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that accompany midlife. This comprehensive approach ensures that women receive crucial support for their well-being during a significant transitional phase. The clinics are designed to be a one-stop solution, providing free gynaecological consultations, essential counseling, and vital screenings for bone density, cardiovascular health, and hormonal imbalances. Furthermore, beneficiaries will receive necessary medications and expert guidance, all within a single, convenient location. Women can easily access these services by visiting their nearest government hospital or a designated urban health center. This program is poised to impact the lives of countless women across Maharashtra, particularly those who have historically faced barriers in accessing structured and specialized care for menopausal health.
Early Success and Reach
The impact of the newly established Menopause Clinics is already being felt across the state. Between January 14 and February 11, 2026, these 580 clinics, strategically located in district, sub-district, municipal, and selected rural hospitals, have successfully attended to a substantial number of women. A total of 31,288 women have been examined, with 30,034 receiving treatment. A small fraction, 82 women, were identified for referral to more specialized medical attention. The expansive network of these clinics covers a vast geographical area, encompassing districts such as Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Washim, Yavatmal, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Hingoli, Jalna, Parbhani, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Sindhudurg, Beed, Dharashiv, Latur, Nanded, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Nashik, Pune, Satara, Solapur, Palghar, Raigad, and Thane. This reach extends to major municipal corporations, including Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan‑Dombivli, Mira‑Bhayander, Ulhasnagar, Panvel, Pimpri‑Chinchwad, Solapur, Vasai‑Virar, and Malegaon, ensuring broad accessibility for women across Maharashtra.
Palliative Care Initiative Launched
Complementing the focus on women's midlife health, Maharashtra's Health Minister, Prakash Abitkar, has also inaugurated the Maharashtra Palliative Care Programme. This vital initiative is designed to significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals grappling with long-term and debilitating illnesses. The program emphasizes comprehensive pain management, offering crucial psycho-social support to patients and their families. It includes dedicated family counseling services to navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with chronic conditions. A key component of the palliative care program is its focus on home-based services, ensuring that patients receive care and support within the comfort of their own homes. This initiative extends its reach to those suffering from a range of serious ailments, including various forms of cancer, advanced heart disease, diabetes complications, neurological disorders, chronic respiratory ailments, and other age-related health conditions. Health officials are actively working to identify beneficiaries, with Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) already possessing preliminary lists of individuals in need, and further compilation of patient data is underway to ensure comprehensive coverage.
