The Maharashtra Public Health Department has launched a novel public health initiative to provide specialised healthcare services for women experiencing menopause. The programme includes government-run menopause clinics across Pune district and the wider state, aiming to address the physical, hormonal, and psychological aspects of this life stage.
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.1 This biological transition involves hormonal changes that can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood alterations, bone density reduction, cardiovascular changes, and psychological stress.
Menopause clinics are dedicated outpatient services designed to provide focused care in one setting, including:
Medical evaluation and counselling
Mental health support
Hormonal, bone, and cardiovascular screenings
Treatment plans tailored to individual symptoms
Medicines and lifestyle guidance
This integrated approach aims to offer comprehensive support during a phase that has historically received limited attention in public healthcare systems.
The programme was inaugurated on January 14, 2026, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, under the guidance of Meghna Bordikar, Minister of State for Public Health and Family Welfare, Government of Maharashtra.
District hospitals, sub-district hospitals, municipal hospitals, and select rural hospitals across Maharashtra are hosting these weekly clinics, typically every Wednesday.
Pune district has one of the highest numbers of clinics in the state, with dedicated services provided at institutions such as Aundh Civil Hospital and others.
The menopause clinics provide a range of services to address the multifaceted nature of menopause, including:
Women receive expert assessment for symptoms related to hormonal changes, sleep disturbance, joint pain, and other physical effects of menopause.
Counselling services are available to help manage psychological symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and emotional stress during menopause.
Clinics offer screening for:
Bone health, monitoring for early signs of osteoporosis
Cardiovascular risk, as menopause can affect heart health
Hormonal imbalance, which is central to many menopause symptoms
All screenings are designed to facilitate early detection and tailored management plans.
Women receive medications and lifestyle guidance based on clinical evaluation, helping to manage symptoms and support overall well-being.
Maharashtra’s launch of dedicated menopause clinics represents a first in India’s public health landscape, with weekly OPDs providing integrated, science-based care for women navigating menopause. By offering comprehensive medical, mental, and screening services, the initiative marks a shift toward gender-responsive and life-stage-specific healthcare delivery.
Reference
Harvard Health Publishing. 2024. “Menopause and Perimenopause.” Harvard Health. February 13, 2024. Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD. Accessed January 2026. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/menopause-and-perimenopause-a-to-z.
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