Karnataka Launches 'Ruthutare' for Women's Health

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Wednesday, 5 August 2026

The state government is introducing a new scheme titled 'Ruthutare' aimed at women's health and well-being, announced health minister U T Khader. Noting the mental stress and physical challenges women face, a special committee headed by gynecologist Jyotsna has been formed to address issues related to menopause. Actress Ramya will serve as the brand ambassador for this initiative.

Providing information during a press conference held at Arogya Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday, August 4, he stated that a committee chaired by gynaecologist Dr. Jyotsna has been formed for this scheme. Actor Ramya will raise awareness as the program's brand ambassador. Under this initiative, ASHA workers will conduct door-to-door surveys among women.

Over the next six months, data regarding pre-menopause and post-menopause will be collected, and work will be executed in phases. This scheme has been formulated for the first time in the country. After implementing it in the state, we will meet the concerned Union Government ministers to request the rollout of this scheme for women across the nation, he informed.

Key Highlights:

• Karnataka launches 'Ruthutare' for menopause care; Ramya named brand ambassador
• Dr. Jyotsna-led panel and ASHA workers will lead awareness and surveys
• The scheme focuses on menopause awareness, mental health, and women's wellness

Currently, we have general health policies, but there is no exclusive health policy for women, leading to reduced priority for women's health needs. Considering and discussing all these factors, we aim to introduce a 'Women's Health Policy' for the first time in the country. To manage menopause-related issues and mental stress among women, we intend to implement the Ruthuthare scheme through the Health Department.

“According to doctors, many of our sisters suffer mentally and physically during menstruation and menopausal stages. Under this scheme, measures to be taken before and after menopause will be explained. Awareness regarding lifestyle changes, diet, sleep duration, and mental health management will be raised. The committee will formulate policies related to this, and we will implement them,” he said.

“Gynaecologist and committee chairperson Dr. Jyotsna stated that it is crucial to understand when and how menopause occurs in women. During menopause, there is a possibility of developing heart and bone-related conditions. Therefore, individuals who have undergone surgical operations need to pay closer attention. For those experiencing normal menopausal issues, it can be corrected through proper diet. Raising awareness about lifestyle habits during this period is essential for women,” she added.

“Detailing the medical aspects, gynaecologist Jyotsna explained the necessity of understanding when and how women experience menopause. She categorised it into normal and surgical menopause. Pointing out the increased risk of heart and bone-related diseases during this phase, she stressed that individuals who have undergone surgical menopause need to exercise extra caution. Meanwhile, complications arising during normal menopause can often be managed through proper dietary modifications,” she added.

Sharing her thoughts on the government's decision, actress Ramya highlighted that women in India experience menopause relatively earlier compared to other nations. She pointed out that a significant number of urban women suffer from menopause-related issues, yet there is a lack of awareness even in cities regarding the symptoms and available treatments.

The awareness is even lower among rural populations. Ramya noted that she had initially approached the government requesting the inclusion of this topic in the 'Gruharogya' manual, and expressed her happiness at being appointed as the brand ambassador for the newly announced scheme.