Maharashtra rolls out 510 menopause clinics to address neglected women’s health needs, with nearly 9,000 women seeking care in the first two days (January 2026). Clinics offer screenings, counselling, treatment and specialist referrals to improve quality of life.
In a landmark move for women’s health policy in India, the Maharashtra government has launched 510 dedicated menopause clinics across government hospitals and urban health centres in all 33 districts and 22 municipal corporations of the state.
The initiative, announced in January 2026 and launched around Makar Sankranti, aims to address the physical, emotional and hormonal challenges women experience during menopause – a life stage long marginalised in public discourse and healthcare planning.
Within just two days of operation, 8,901 women visited these clinics for medical consultations, screenings, counselling and treatment, according to state health officials. Many of these women received diagnostic tests, lifestyle guidance and referrals to specialists where needed, signalling broad demand for structured support at this stage of life.
Early interactions also suggest that women value having a dedicated space – both medically and emotionally – to discuss symptoms that have often been dismissed or overlooked.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
Unlike traditional outpatient departments (OPDs), these menopause clinics operate every Wednesday and are designed to offer holistic care at a single touchpoint. According to officials, services include:
- Medical consultations and symptom assessment
- Mental health counselling and emotional support
- Hormonal screenings, including tests for imbalances
- Bone density and cardiovascular risk assessments
- Guidance on lifestyle, diet and exercise
- Medication provision and referrals to specialists when necessary
“Menopause is not a disease but a natural phase in a woman’s life. However, women require strong physical and emotional support during this period,” said Meghna Bordikar, Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Public Health and Family Welfare.
She emphasised that the clinics were established to offer “proper advice, treatment and dignity” to women, and that strengthening women’s health contributes positively to families and society at large.
Healthcare workers and civil surgeons involved in the rollout noted that many women visiting the clinics reported symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, joint pain and fatigue – symptoms often attributed to “normal ageing” and not routinely treated in general outpatient settings.
The structured clinics aim to change that narrative by providing evidence‑based care and clear communication about health risks and management strategies.
Addressing a Long‑Ignored Stage of Life
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is typically diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Although it is a biological milestone, not a medical disorder, the phase is often accompanied by significant changes – hormonal, physical and psychological – that can affect quality of life and long‑term health risks, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
For decades, menopause has remained a neglected phase in India’s public health system, with conversations about symptoms and management largely confined to private clinics or informal peer networks. Experts say this has perpetuated stigma and forced many women to endure discomfort in silence.
By institutionalising menopause care within public health facilities, Maharashtra seeks to normalise discussion around the transition and make quality care accessible to women irrespective of their socio‑economic status.
Public health professionals believe that early screenings for bone health, heart risk factors and hormonal changes – combined with mental health support – can lead to better long‑term outcomes.
They also see the clinics as opportunities to educate women about preventive health behaviours, including diet, exercise and routine check‑ups that mitigate future disease risk.
Voices From the Ground
Women attending the clinics have voiced appreciation for the focused attention and respectful care. Many said they were unaware that symptoms they had long endured could be associated with menopause and effectively managed with medical support.
Some described the clinics as “a relief” and “a space to be heard,” particularly when they could speak openly about emotional stress alongside physical symptoms.
Health workers also reported that their own understanding of menopause was expanding through training linked to the programme. This has helped clinicians approach conversations with greater empathy and scientific clarity, which advocates say is crucial for breaking down stigmas.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the public response has been strong, ongoing challenges include creating broader awareness so that women in rural and marginalised communities access care as readily as those in urban areas. Additionally, ensuring consistent quality of services across all clinics – including specialist referrals – will require ongoing training, monitoring and resource support.
There are also calls from some experts to integrate aspects of menopause care – such as nutritional counselling and community‑level awareness campaigns – into existing women’s health programmes to broaden reach and impact.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The launch of dedicated menopause clinics in Maharashtra is a transformative step in recognising women’s health as a lifelong journey, not a narrow focus on reproductive years alone. For too long, women have carried the physical and emotional burdens associated with menopause with limited support from public health systems.
By providing structured, dignified and accessible care, this initiative affirms that women’s wellbeing at every life stage deserves attention and respect.
This programme also offers a valuable lesson for policymakers: where fear and silence once limited dialogue, proactive healthcare design can open doors to understanding, empathy and early intervention.
