In 2018, the Indian government launched one of its most talked-about menstrual hygiene initiatives: a subsidised sanitary pad sold for just ₹1 per pad through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) outlets. Branded as Suvidha, these pads were designed to make menstrual hygiene affordable for women across India, particularly in rural and low-income communities. This article explains what the scheme is, how it works, what Suvidha pads are made of, and what it means for menstrual health access in India.
What Is the Jan Aushadhi Scheme?
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), commonly known as the Jan Aushadhi scheme, is a Government of India initiative run by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. Its primary goal is to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices through a network of dedicated Jan Aushadhi Kendras (stores) across the country.
The scheme was launched in 2008 and significantly expanded from 2015 onwards. By 2024, there were over 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating across India, stocking a wide range of generic medicines, surgical items, and health products at prices significantly lower than branded equivalents.
Suvidha sanitary pads were added to the Jan Aushadhi product range in March 2018, making them one of the scheme's most high-profile non-medicine additions.
What Are Suvidha Sanitary Pads?
Suvidha is the brand name for the subsidised sanitary pads sold through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Key details:
- Price: ₹1 per pad, sold in packs of 4 for ₹4 and packs of 8 for ₹8 at Jan Aushadhi outlets.
- Material: Made from oxo-biodegradable plastic and wood pulp, with a dry-weave top sheet.
- Absorbency: Designed for moderate flow, suitable for everyday period use.
- Wings: Included for better fit and leak protection.
- Availability: Exclusively through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, not through general retail or e-commerce.
The pads are manufactured by government-approved suppliers and distributed through the BPPI network. They are not available in pharmacies, supermarkets, or online marketplaces outside the Jan Aushadhi system.
Why Were Suvidha Pads Launched?
The launch of Suvidha pads was a direct response to data showing that a large proportion of women and girls in India, particularly in rural areas, did not use commercial sanitary pads during menstruation. The primary barriers were cost and availability.
Commercial pads from established brands were priced between ₹8 and ₹15 per pad at the time of the Suvidha launch, making a full pack a significant expense for households with limited income. Many women relied on cloth, which, if not washed and dried properly, carries a risk of infection.
By pricing Suvidha pads at ₹1 each and distributing them through a government network already present in smaller towns and rural areas, the scheme aimed to remove the cost barrier and improve menstrual hygiene at scale.
Impact of the Scheme
The Suvidha pad initiative received widespread attention when it launched, partly because of its ₹1 price point and partly because it coincided with the release of the film Pad Man, which brought menstrual hygiene into mainstream public conversation in India.
Within the first year, the government reported selling tens of millions of Suvidha pads through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The scheme has been credited with:
- Increasing awareness of menstrual hygiene in communities where it was previously a taboo subject
- Making disposable sanitary pads financially accessible to women who could not afford commercial alternatives
- Expanding the reach of Jan Aushadhi Kendras by drawing in customers who might not otherwise have visited for medicines
However, the scheme has also faced challenges. Distribution has been uneven, with some Jan Aushadhi Kendras reporting stock shortages. Awareness of the scheme remains limited in some rural areas. And the pads themselves, while affordable, are basic in design and not available in different absorbency levels or sizes.
Jan Aushadhi Pads vs Commercial Sanitary Pads: Key Differences
| Feature | Suvidha (Jan Aushadhi) | Commercial Pads |
|---|---|---|
| Price per pad | ₹1 | ₹8–₹20+ |
| Where to buy | Jan Aushadhi Kendras only | Pharmacies, supermarkets, online |
| Absorbency options | One standard option | Multiple (regular, heavy, overnight) |
| Material options | Standard only | Cotton, organic, ultra-thin, biodegradable |
| Availability | Limited to scheme outlets | Widely available |
What to Look for Beyond Price
While the Jan Aushadhi scheme has made sanitary pads more accessible for millions of women, price is only one factor in choosing the right pad. For women who have access to a wider range of options, it's worth considering:
- Absorbency: Matching the pad to your flow level reduces both discomfort and the risk of leaks.
- Material: Pads with organic cotton or natural top layers are gentler on sensitive skin.
- Environmental impact: Conventional pads contain plastic that takes decades to break down. Choosing biodegradable options reduces long-term waste.
- Skin safety: Fragrance-free, chemical-free pads reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
Explore Our Range
If you're looking for sanitary pads that go beyond the basics, Pee Safe offers a full range of sanitary pads designed for comfort, skin safety, and performance — from organic cotton to ultra-thin to biodegradable options — so you can find the right fit for your body and your values.
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