Press release

20 Jan 2023

Minister of State for Health Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar launches HLL Menstrual Cups

Thiruvananthapuram 20 January 2023: HLL Lifecare Limited launches three brands of
Menstrual cups for both Indian and global women. Dr.Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of
State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, launched the brands titled
–“Thinkal”, “Velvet” and “Cool Cup” at a function held at HLL’s Corporate R&D Centre,
here today.  HLL Lifecare Limited is a central public sector undertaking under the
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
 
The Minister said that the Menstrual Cup is a big breakthrough in menstrual hygiene
management. It is environmentally friendly and convenient to use.   She stated that
given the vast experience that HLL has in the healthcare sector, HLL MCup is expected
to outshine as a leader in this segment.
 
“I am proud to say that whichever area HLL operates, whether it is contraceptives, blood
bags, pharma, or the healthcare service segments, HLL has adhered to high quality and
service standards. HLL is driven by a strong mission to help the middle and lower-class
segments of the country, which is very laudable and commendable, she added.
Mr. K. Beji George IRTS, Chairman & Managing Director- HLL, Shri T. Rajasekhar -
Director (Marketing), Dr. Geeta Sharma - Director (Finance) Dr. Anita Thambi - Director
(Technical & Operations) and other senior officials were also present during the
occasion.
THINKAL is the CSR brand of Menstrual Cup, VELVET is the domestic brand and
  COOL CUP is all set to be sold in the international markets of the Middle East, Latin
America, Asia, and Africa.
 
Minister also visited and reviewed the operations of HLL's Akkulam Factories here.
Akkulam Factory produces Blood bags, Surgical Sutures, and other hospital products,
and also contraceptives like IUCD and Tubal Ring.
Menstrual Cup is a sustainable and reusable device made of Medical Grade Silicone
material that can be inserted to fit in the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. HLL offers
high quality affordable menstrual cups as a safe solution for menstruation.
M Cups, Made of Medical grade Silicone material and platinum cured. HLL MCups are
tested and approved for being free from Cytotoxicity. The product is free from vaginal
 
irritation thereby offering an easy and comfortable feeling for the user. Menstrual Cup
has several advantages compared to other menstrual management methods like
protecting from period rashes, skin allergies, infection, and leakage, and allows almost
all physical activity all through the menstruation. Reusable for a minimum period of 5
years and a maximum of 10 years is the main specialty of M Cup of HLL. Eliminating
waste caused by sanitary napkins also ensures environmental protection.
HLL was incorporated on 1st March 1966 to produce contraceptives to support
Government’s family planning programme. While focusing on and expanding the core
areas i.e. reproductive healthcare, HLL diversified into other healthcare segments like
hospital products, hospital infrastructure management, medical equipment procurement
consultancy, diagnostic services, retailing of pharmaceuticals, etc.
HLL has been the Nodal Agency of Ministry of Health for the Procurement and supply
of Emergency Medical items during COVID Pandemic.