Published Nov 12, 2026 | 11:15 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 12, 2026 | 11:15 PM
Khader said the government would work towards expanding the programme across Karnataka after the pilot.
Synopsis: Karnataka has launched a three-month pilot programme in Dakshina Kannada district providing comprehensive healthcare services to women aged 35 and above, covering perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. The programme, ‘Ruthu Taare’, will have dedicated clinics at PHCs, taluka and district hospitals, and designated medical colleges, with screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity and breast and cervical cancer. Health Minister UT Khader said the government would work towards expanding the programme across the state after the pilot.
The Karnataka government has launched a three-month pilot programme in Dakshina Kannada district providing comprehensive healthcare services to women aged 35 and above, covering perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.
The programme, ‘Ruthu Taare’, will have dedicated clinics at primary health centres (PHCs), taluka and district hospitals, and designated medical colleges.
Health Minister UT Khader announced the programme on Thursday, 12 November, and named Kannada matinee idol and former MP Divya Spandana as its brand ambassador to raise awareness among women across the state.
“Women’s health does not end with motherhood, and menopause should never be a journey women are expected to endure in silence. 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,” Khader said.
The programme will provide medical support for physical and mental health concerns during mid-life, treating menopause-related symptoms as health concerns requiring assessment and care rather than inevitable consequences of ageing.
Khader said the government would work towards expanding the programme across Karnataka after the pilot.
“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.
It’s official. Karnataka @utkhader Health Minister issued orders to implement RUTHU TAARE, the State Mid-Life Women’s Health & Menopause Programme 💛
Pilot starts in Dakshina Karnataka: screening, dedicated clinic days, a Mid-Life Health Card, and trained ASHAs for women 35+.
Menopause is finally on the public health map. Advocacy works! 🥳🥳— Ramya/Divya Spandana (@divyaspandana) November 12, 2026
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Under the pilot, the Dakshina Kannada District Health and Family Welfare Officer will map existing healthcare facilities, assess available infrastructure and staff, and prepare a district-level implementation plan for eligible women aged 35 and above.
Dedicated clinic sessions will be held every Wednesday at PHCs, taluka hospitals and district hospitals. Medical colleges will conduct sessions on Saturdays, subject to staff availability and operational feasibility.
The programme will involve ASHAs, ASHA mentors, community health officers, medical officers, nursing personnel and other healthcare providers. Training and orientation programmes will be organised for the staff involved in its implementation.
The Maternal Health and Reproductive and Child Health Division will coordinate the technical implementation, including the preparation of screening checklists, clinical assessment formats and referral protocols.
The Non-Communicable Disease Division will integrate screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors with existing non-communicable disease services. The programme will also facilitate breast and cervical cancer screening.
The programme will initially use existing public health infrastructure and available human resources. Additional expenditure on training, awareness materials, health cards, digital documentation and monitoring will be assessed separately and submitted for approval, subject to the availability of funds.
The programme will include mechanisms to identify, assess and refer women with mental health concerns. A green-yellow-red risk classification system will determine the level of support and referral required. Women will also be connected to existing mental health services, including Gruha Arogya.
The Nutrition Division will prepare standardised counselling for mid-life women, focusing on balanced diets, adequate protein and calcium intake, bone health, osteoporosis prevention and healthy weight management.
The government will develop Kannada awareness materials covering menopause, nutrition, physical activity, bone health and mental wellbeing.
A standardised reporting mechanism will document screening coverage, risk classification, investigations, referrals, treatment and follow-up. The government will also examine the feasibility of introducing a phased digital RUTHU TAARE registry and an anonymised state-level dashboard.
The pilot will be evaluated after three months on the basis of screening coverage, completion of referrals, availability of services, operational feasibility, resource requirements and implementation challenges. The evaluation will inform a proposal to refine the programme and expand it in phases.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Sumit Jha)
