This is the first Indian city to install sanitary pad vending machines on a large scale

In an important step towards improving menstrual hygiene, the western Indian city of Ajmer has become the first in the country to install sanitary napkin vending machines on a large scale. Around of the machines will be set up across the city.

Only 12% of the 355 million Indian women in the reproductive age group use sanitary napkins, partly because they are not affordable or or inaccessible due to the social taboos surrounding menstruation. Instead, the remaining 88% women resort to traditional methods such as old cloth, leading to poor menstrual hygiene and infections.

There have been numerous social initiatives to make sanitary napkins cheaper and more eco-friendly. However, government projects such as the Ajmer one make it possible to widen the distribution of sanitary in places that are more easily accessible to young girls and women. 

The electronic machines will installed at at girls' schools, colleges, hospitals, railway stations, jails and bus stands. There are even plans to set up similar machines in neighbouring areas. The machines have been manufactured by the government-run Hindustan Lifecare Limited. Each machine will dispense three pads for Rs 10, while an incinerator placed next to the machine will ensure easy disposal.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

“It ensures sanitary pads are available 24x7 and eliminates human interaction during purchase. It also ensures hygiene and allows easy and environment-friendly disposal of used pads,” a government official said.

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