Healthcare and healthcare providers are leading the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the entire healthcare workforce , majority are female staff.
These female COVID healthcare warriors are fighting battles everyday at various fronts before they report to duties.
Once at work they are serving the sick patients with total dedication and commitment.
Making them comfortable at work during these difficult times is essential.
One such situation at work, which troubles them is Menstruation/ Periods.
COVID duties during menstrual cycle can become a difficult situation given the various challenges one faces while wearing a PPE.
PPEs or Personal Protection Equipment consist of Coveralls, a Face Mask, Face-Shield, Goggles and Gloves.
These PPEs are made of impervious materials which help prevent exposure to infections.
However, PPEs are expensive, non- reusable and the process of wearing (donning) and removing (doffing) takes atleast 45 minutes each.
Thus, female healthcare workers land up wearing them for long periods to save time and minimise usage of multiple PPEs.
While they are wearing PPE, they cannot eat, drink or attend the restroom until they remove it .
Of the entire healthcare workforce , majority are female staff.
These female COVID healthcare warriors are fighting battles everyday at various fronts before they report to duties.
Once at work they are serving the sick patients with total dedication and commitment.
Making them comfortable at work during these difficult times is essential.
One such situation at work, which troubles them is Menstruation/ Periods.
COVID duties during menstrual cycle can become a difficult situation given the various challenges one faces while wearing a PPE.
PPEs or Personal Protection Equipment consist of Coveralls, a Face Mask, Face-Shield, Goggles and Gloves.
These PPEs are made of impervious materials which help prevent exposure to infections.
However, PPEs are expensive, non- reusable and the process of wearing (donning) and removing (doffing) takes atleast 45 minutes each.
Thus, female healthcare workers land up wearing them for long periods to save time and minimise usage of multiple PPEs.
While they are wearing PPE, they cannot eat, drink or attend the restroom until they remove it .
In these times, getting periods makes it all the more uncomfortable. Physical Movements and changing of a sanitary pad is difficult and there is a constant feeling of being unhygienic.
RNisarg Foundation has been working in the space of Menstrual Heath & Hygiene for last 5 years.
By introducing them to Menstrual Cup and guiding them in using it , we can help them work more comfortably.
Menstrual Cup is made of medical grade silicon which needs to be inserted into the vagina during the menstrual period. The cup lies at the mouth of cervix and collects the menstrual blood directly. This cup once full is emptied of the blood and reinserted.
A single cup is needed for the entire cycle and each cup lasts for 7-10 years, based on the quality of the menstrual cup opted.
With a Menstrual Cup, one can
- Eliminate any discomfort, often felt when wearing a sanitary pad
- Reduce the frequency of change
.- Minimise any chances of staining
- Avoid embarrassment in disposing a pad
- Improve the efficiency at work.
Besides this a Menstrual cup is safe, economical and an environment friendly option.
RNisarg foundation is founded and run by female doctors.
Hence, they understand the urgent need to help female Healthcare Covid warriors in such times.
Through their project Sakhi, the NGO has already in the past helped convert many healthcare staff to reusable menstrual cup option.
Today while on covid duties they are thankful to have made that switch.
A single cup is needed for the entire cycle and each cup lasts for 7-10 years, based on the quality of the menstrual cup opted.
With a Menstrual Cup, one can
- Eliminate any discomfort, often felt when wearing a sanitary pad
- Reduce the frequency of change
.- Minimise any chances of staining
- Avoid embarrassment in disposing a pad
- Improve the efficiency at work.
Besides this a Menstrual cup is safe, economical and an environment friendly option.
RNisarg foundation is founded and run by female doctors.
Hence, they understand the urgent need to help female Healthcare Covid warriors in such times.
Through their project Sakhi, the NGO has already in the past helped convert many healthcare staff to reusable menstrual cup option.
Today while on covid duties they are thankful to have made that switch.
Through our campaign, we aim:
1. To reach out to maximum female staff working in government run COVID Hospitals.
2. Educate them through our network of doctors & gynecologists
3. Provide a 24 X 7 Helpline Support
Currently , we are working with
-Sion Hospital, Mumbai
-Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, Thane
-Civil hospital, Thane
To begin with, we wish to benefit minimum 500 healthcare workers which will include Resident Doctors, Interns, Nurses and Class-IV Workers( Female Helpers/Maushis)
Depending on the interest shown by healthcare staff from other hospitals and the funding that we are able to raise through this campaign, we would be including many more COVID hospitals in Mumbai & MMR region.
For last 5 months, healthcare workers have been tirelessly working to save lives.
This Independence Day, let's salute these warriors and ensure safe and less messier periods for them.
Jai Hind!!