The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to the Supreme Court of India for its landmark judgment affirming that menstrual health and access to menstrual hygiene management in schools form an integral part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Describing the verdict as historic and progressive, the IMA said the judgment is a major step towards safeguarding the health, dignity, privacy and bodily autonomy of the girl child. The association noted that the Court’s recognition of how lack of menstrual hygiene facilities leads to stigma, humiliation, absenteeism and exclusion from education addresses a long-standing public health and social equity issue.
The IMA welcomed the directions issued to States and Union Territories to ensure the availability of sanitary napkins and adequate menstrual hygiene facilities in all schools, stating that these measures would significantly improve school attendance, educational outcomes and the long-term physical and mental health of adolescent girls.
Reiterating its commitment to promoting menstrual health awareness and strengthening school health programmes, the IMA said it would continue to support evidence-based public health interventions aimed at eliminating menstrual poverty.
The association also urged the authorities to ensure immediate and strict implementation of the judgment in both government and private schools, with clear, binding and time-bound directions to States and Union Territories to ensure effective compliance and uphold the constitutional rights of every girl child.