The machine dispenses 'Happy Days' sanitary napkins, manufactured by HLL Lifecare Limited in its Kanagala Factory in Belgaum.
The vending machine was inaugurated by Additional Secretary and MD of National Health Mission C K Mishra in the presence of Managing Director of HLL Lifecare M Ayyappan and several senior officials.
Mishra described it as a "bold step in the right direction for health and hygiene for women". "We need to install more of them in schools, offices and hospitals," he added.
At present the use of napkins is low especially in the rural areas. Experts notice that this owes largely to a stigma attached to the product in India, where women hesitate to buy sanitary napkins from retail shops.
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