Introducing Medical Menstrual Regulation in Bangladesh
There are women in Bangladesh who decide to do menstrual regulation (MR) to avoid unwanted and unplanned childbearing. The feasibility of introducing menstrual regulation with medication (MRM) services in Bangladesh is clear, and women receiving MRM were satisfied with their overall quality of care. It is imperative that this service be incorporated into the national family planning (FP) program for the safety, health, and well being of Bangladeshi women. In addition, a comprehensive training program will be needed to train more than 6,000 public sector service providers. These providers must be adequately supervised to ensure they provide quality services.
This paper examines the feasibility and accessibility of introducing MRM in Bangladesh. This paper’s findings help revise policies for MRM provision in the public health sector. Before introducing MRM services nationwide, a scale up strategy should be developed for including MRM in phases, starting with urban health facilities. Accessibility of safe MR services can be increased by introducing a combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol, which are both safe and effective and registered in Bangladesh. The country’s Management Information System (MIS) also needs revision and updating for inclusion of MRM information. Policymakers and program managers need assistance in developing strategies for scaling up MRM services in MCWCs and developing plans for capacity building, monitoring, and dissemination.
Reference:
Hena I. A.; Rob U.; Sultana N.; Hossain, I.; Yasmin R.; Das T. R.; Ahmed F. U. (2014). Introducing medical MR in Bangladesh: MRM final report. Population Council, Dhaka, Bangladesh.