31/01/2026
As President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, I warmly welcome and commend the Hon’ble Supreme Court for recognizing menstrual health as an essential part of the Right to Life and Education. This decision sends a clear and powerful message that the health, dignity, and education of every girl child must be protected and prioritized. For too long, inadequate hygiene facilities and lack of access to sanitary products have silently affected school attendance, health, and overall well-being. This judgment confronts that challenge head on and provides a framework for meaningful change.
Menstrual hygiene is not only a health issue, it is a matter of dignity, safety, and equal opportunity. When schools provide safe and supportive environments, we do more than improve attendance, we empower girls to stay healthy, confident, and focused on building their future.
As pediatricians and child health professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure these guidelines are effectively implemented. Strong accountability, sustained action, and community engagement are critical to translating this judgment into real-life impact. Together, we can ensure that no girl is forced to compromise her health or education due to lack of basic facilities.
This is a landmark moment for gender justice, public health, and child rights, and it calls upon all of us, policymakers, educators, health professionals, and society at large, to act decisively.
UNICEF India, Indian Academy of Pediatrics- IAP, NITI Aayog, World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Ministry of Education, Momspresso
Pratham Education Foundation, Educate Girls, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)
