Rahul Gandhi praises Karnataka’s ‘Ritu Taare’ programme for midlife women’s health

Mangaluru: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has praised the Karnataka government’s ‘Ritu Taare’ programme, aimed at addressing the health needs of women above 35, saying women’s health concerns during midlife should not be dismissed as a normal consequence of ageing.

In a post on Instagram, Gandhi said healthcare begins with listening to women and taking their concerns seriously. He noted that changes in women’s health during middle age are often brushed aside as age-related issues and welcomed the Karnataka government’s initiative to address them through a dedicated healthcare programme.

The Ritu Taare initiative has been designed by the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Health Minister U.T. Khader. Former MP and actor Ramya is the brand ambassador for the programme.

The state initiative seeks to provide comprehensive healthcare to women aged 35 and above, with particular attention to the physical and mental health challenges associated with midlife and menopause.

The services include dedicated clinics for women, comprehensive health screenings, mental health support, nutritional counselling and menopause-related care. Women requiring specialised medical attention will also be referred for treatment by specialist doctors.

A ‘Mid-Life Health Card’ will be issued to beneficiaries to facilitate access to the programme’s healthcare services.

The programme will initially be launched as a three-month pilot project in Dakshina Kannada district. Based on the pilot, the government plans to extend it across Karnataka.

The initiative is intended to address a gap in the public healthcare system, where health issues associated with menopause and midlife often receive limited attention.