At the HEAL Launch held at Nexus Esplanade Mall, Bhubaneshwar, an important discussion took place around menstrual health and the hidden impact of disposable sanitary napkins on women's bodies.

The HEAL (Health. Environment. Active Living.) programme, designed with gynecologists, has been working for nearly two years to help girls facing period-related problems. Recently, data from over 10,000 girls was analysed — and the results were alarming.

8 Out of 10 Girls Are Reporting Period Problems

Around 8 out of 10 girls in the HEAL cohort reported issues such as cramps, rashes, irregular periods, and heavy bleeding. The programme believes these problems may not only be caused by hormones or lifestyle — they could also be linked to chemicals and toxins present in disposable sanitary pads that are in direct contact with one of the most absorptive parts of the body.

• 80% of girls in the 10,000-strong HEAL cohort reported at least one menstrual health issue
• Chemicals in disposable pads — including dioxins, SAP, and synthetic fragrance — are under increasing scrutiny
• HEAL encourages a complete switch to reusable menstrual products for six months to observe health changes
• Over 5,000 young people shifted away from disposable products in just one year through HEAL

“We are not saying disposable pads are the only cause. We are saying we cannot rule them out — and every girl deserves to know that.”

- Saukhyam Foundation, HEAL programme

At the launch, Bhubaneshwar Mayor Sulochana Das raised important questions about the hygiene and practicality of reusable pads. These concerns were addressed directly by CARE City Coordinator Madhusmita Mahapatra, who shared her own positive experience of using reusable pads for more than a year. The conversation between a public figure asking honest questions and a peer answering from lived experience — that is exactly the kind of dialogue HEAL is designed to start.