Maharashtra public health department launched special menopause clinics across Pune district and other government run hospitals (Credit: Pixabay/Representational)
Maharashtra public health department on Tuesday launched special menopause clinics across Pune district and other government run hospitals to provide comprehensive care for women facing physical and mental health issues related to menopause.
At Aundh civil hospital, civil surgeon Nagnath Yempalle said a team of three doctors including a gynaecologist will counsel the women regarding the hormonal changes during this crucial phase.
State health officials said that the plan is to hold a dedicated OPD clinic every Wednesday and this weekly special OPD will be dedicated for menopause related symptoms. Dr Yempalle said that during menopause, women face a range of health problems due to hormonal changes, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irritability, depression, joint pain, osteoporosis and weight gain.
There is also an increased risk of heart disease and often these issues are overlooked or then not treated. Meghana Sakore-Bordikar, Minister of State for Public Health and Family Welfare, Government of Maharashtra, has been actively promoting initiatives related to women’s health including the effort to set up dedicated menopause clinics.
A letter to this effect was issued to the state public health department, which has now initiated plans to set up the weekly menopause clinics at district, sub-district, municipal and select rural hospitals in Maharashtra.
According to various experts, menopause is a serious public health concern in the country. According to national family health surveys it is among one of the factors that hysterectomies are performed for fibroids.
While several experts have in their reports stated that a multifaceted approach is required to understand the needs of women in both urban and rural areas, Indian Menopause Society members point out that symptoms and side effects of menopause can be bewildering and a healthy diet with physical activity can make a difference.
Hence this increasing concern also led the state to embark upon this new initiative. Z”Women also face emotional distress likely due to menopause and hence transition to this phase requires counselling and adequate support,” Dr Yempalle said adding that medical tests will also be conducted. “Apart from counselling on diet and lifestyle, support regarding mental health concerns and also guidance on vitamin supplementation will be provided,” he added
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