Health minister clarifies plan for free sanitary pads

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa clarified her plan to tackle period poverty after her statement on Monday was met with criticism and confusion.

She said the plan to start the initiative at the ministry’s headquarters in Putrajaya is only meant to see how the initiative can be put into operation and garner immediate feedback.

“If successful, I see it expanding to strategic healthcare facilities involving the public.

“This initiative may seem small, but it can have a major impact in managing period poverty, as well as menstrual health and women’s reproductive system,” Zaliha (above) said on social media last night.

She thanked the public for offering their views on free sanitary pads.

During the ministry’s monthly assembly earlier this week, Zaliha said her ministry will kickstart the initiative at her office which led to accusations of misplaced priorities.

“We will start at the minister’s office first, and after that (we will expand it) throughout the ministry. And then, maybe, we can cooperate with other agencies and ministries,” Bernama quoted Zaliha as saying then.

Wrong target

Many have criticised the initiative, despite being well-intentioned, for not targeting women in underprivileged communities.

PSM leader S Arutchelvan said the initiative should not start at the ministry.

“(The) health minister should focus on giving sanitary pads to the poorest and remote and urban poor areas, not start (the initiative) in the Health Ministry and Prime Minister’s Office.

“While the prime minister is trying to reduce ministers’ salaries and redistribute to the poor, the health minister is doing the opposite. Don't these people need (to make) assessments first before making announcements?” he questioned.

Similarly, activist Mahi Ramakrishnan expressed her surprise at the initiative on Facebook, due to the nature of period poverty - often experienced by women in underprivileged groups such as the B40, Orang Asli, refugee and migrant communities.

Former Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, however, defended the implementation of the initiative, saying that the ministry is setting the standard to be echoed by all ministries.

“With that, I hope they will begin to expand it to other government agencies everywhere in the country, not just confined to the Health Ministry but also for the minister to form partnerships with the Education Ministry and Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

“I also hope the Rural Development Ministry will be roped in targeting areas not just of hardcore poor in Sabah and Sarawak but also for the urban poor living in cities nationwide,” she told Malaysiakini.

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