Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Nov 14: Dakshina Kannada has been selected to launch the three-month pilot of ‘Ruthu Taare’, Karnataka's mid-life women's health and menopause programme aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare to women aged 35 and above, health and family welfare minister U T Khader has announced.
Actress and former MP Ramya has been named the brand ambassador of the initiative.
Khader, who is also the district in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada, announced the decision in a post on X.
“Today, our department has issued orders to implement ‘Ruthu Taare’. The three-month pilot will begin in Dakshina Kannada, with dedicated clinics, comprehensive health screening, mental health and nutrition support, referrals and a mid-life health card,” he posted.
The minister said the government would work towards expanding the programme across Karnataka following the pilot phase.
Emphasising the need to address women's health concerns beyond motherhood, Khader said, “Women’s health does not end with motherhood, and menopause should never be a journey women are expected to endure in silence.”
Highlighting the physical and emotional challenges associated with mid-life health, he wrote, "Sleepless nights, hot flashes, joint pain, weakening bones, anxiety and emotional changes are real health concerns. They deserve understanding, timely diagnosis and proper medical care, not dismissal as simply a part of ageing."
“Every woman deserves to age with dignity, live with good health and receive care at every stage of life. With ‘Ruthu Taare’, we are taking an important step towards making that a reality,” he said.
Announcing Ramya's appointment as brand ambassador, Khader said, “Her voice and influence will help take this important message to women across Karnataka.”
Comprehensive healthcare through public health facilities
Titled ‘Ruthu Taare’ – Karnataka State Mid-Life Women's Health and Menopause Programme, the initiative will focus on the perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause stages. It aims to integrate screening, clinical assessment, counselling and referral services through the existing public healthcare system.
An office memorandum issued by the commissionerate of health and family welfare services has outlined the implementation framework for the pilot.
The Dakshina Kannada district health and family welfare officer (DHO) has been directed to map existing healthcare facilities, including primary health centres (PHCs), Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, taluk hospitals, the district hospital and designated medical colleges.
The DHO must identify participating facilities, assess available infrastructure, human resources and specialist referral services, and prepare a district-level implementation plan, including the identification of eligible women aged 35 and above.
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), ASHA mentors, community health officers (CHOs) and medical officers will be involved in implementing the programme.
Dedicated clinic sessions will be held every Wednesday at PHCs, taluk hospitals and the district hospital, while designated medical colleges will organise special clinics on Saturdays, subject to feasibility and staff availability.
Screening, counselling and referral services
The programme will offer screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, alongside breast and cervical cancer screening.
Mental health assessments, nutritional counselling, bone health promotion and osteoporosis prevention will also form part of the comprehensive services.
The department will develop standardised screening protocols, mid-life health cards, referral mechanisms and training modules for healthcare workers to ensure effective implementation.
The three-month pilot will be assessed based on screening coverage, referrals, availability of services and operational feasibility. The findings will help the government prepare a proposal for the phased expansion of ‘Ruthu Taare’ across Karnataka.