Free pads at office just the first step, says health minister Zaliha

The health ministry's free sanitary pad initiative might seem like a small step but could have a big impact in tackling the lack of sanitary pads, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa says.

She added that it was a good fit with menstrual health and women’s reproductive systems.

"I understand that there has been some confusion and am grateful for the public’s views on my statement regarding the provision of free sanitary pads at the health ministry headquarters.

"I would like to clarify that the initiative we intend to start at the headquarters is to evaluate it from an operational aspect and immediate feedback.

"If successful, I see that it can be expanded to strategic health facilities and involve the public," she said in a Facebook post.

Zaliha announced the initiative on Monday, saying it would be implemented at the minister’s office at the health ministry building as soon as possible to tackle the lack of pads in the country.