Catalan pharmacies start distributing free reusable menstrual products

The free distribution of reusable menstrual products in pharmacies in Catalonia began today, with an estimated 2.5 million people benefiting from the initiative at an initial cost of €8.5 million.

Users can select from menstrual cups, cloth pads and absorbent underwear, which are provided free of charge. The products can be picked up by scanning a QR code found in 'La Meva Salut' app.

Although the launch of the initiative caused digital queues and short wait times this morning, the app is currently operating as normal.

The Catalan Minister for Equality, Tània Verge, hailed the campaign, which aims to ensure that "menstruation is not an extra cost for women" while "taking care of the planet".

"We are the first country in the world to make such a commitment to reusable menstrual products," she added.

The products can be collected until 2025 in almost all of the 3,272 pharmacies in Catalonia. The government has assured that if a pharmacy runs out of a product, it will be back in stock within 48 hours.

The initiative has completed technical testing at 13 different distribution points across Catalonia and is ready to roll out. Pharmacists have also been trained to help women choose the products that work best for them.

The first women to collect their free reusable products this morning told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) of their enthusiasm for the initiative.  

Helena Herranz, said she was eager to try some of the sustainable products, especially the menstrual cup, but was hesitant because of the cost. Now that it is free, she said, she has no doubts about trying it.

Ester Miralles, a former tampon user, said she appreciated the initiative because she could now switch to cloth pads.  "I think it is great, especially for sustainability," she said.