Menstrual waste and health risks highlighted at Hyderabad event

An event at St Ann’s College for Women, part of Dr Manjula Anagani’s ‘No Plastic on Private’ campaign, raised awareness about the health and environmental impact of plastic-laden sanitary pads, urging adoption of sustainable, body-safe menstrual products in India

Hyderabad: An event focused on menstrual waste and its impact on human health and the environment — ‘Period. Planet. Power. – Eco Edition’ — was held at St Ann’s College for Women.

The event featured discussions on the reality that conventional sanitary pads are loaded with plastic — nearly equivalent to four plastic bags per pad — and take centuries to decompose. With over 100,000 tonnes of menstrual waste generated annually in India, participants stressed the urgent need for eco-friendly and body-safe alternatives.

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The event was part of the ‘No Plastic on Private’ campaign initiated by senior gynaecologist Dr Manjula Anagani. It was supported by Dr Nabat Lakhani, founder of the NGO Marham, which works on women’s health and menstrual awareness.

“This initiative was inspired by increasing health issues observed in women, many of which are linked to the harmful effects of plastics in sanitary products,” said Dr Manjula.

Dr Nabat Lakhani added, “Through this initiative, we’re not just talking about periods, we’re advocating for healthier, safer, and more sustainable choices.”