Sexual and reproductive health care services for students
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) integrates reproductive health care directly into its campus services, reaffirming its belief that sexual and reproductive health is a right, not a privilege. The Student Clinic at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, provides free evening consultations exclusively for students, covering general medicine, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and other specialities (KMC Hospital – Student Clinic Information). The model ensures timely access without academic disruption, reduces absenteeism, and prevents self-medication—illustrating sustainable health equity in practice. Complementing this, the Student Support Centre (SSC) offers confidential counselling on sexual health, relationships, and mental well-being. At MAHE Bengaluru, the “Manam” Programme extends this integration of emotional and sexual health education, helping students normalise conversations around wellness (MAHE News – Manam Programme).
MAHE’s advanced reproductive health infrastructure further elevates its contribution to sustainable health systems. The Manipal Assisted Reproduction Centre (MARC) offers infertility treatment, semen banking, and embryology services free or at subsidised rates for students (MARC Official Page). The Department of Reproductive Science and Genetics provides research-led education on reproductive biology and preventive health (Department of Medical Genetics – MAHE). Additionally, the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology and the Manipal Centre for Embryology & Reproductive Science serve as hubs for innovation and skill development in reproductive medicine (MAHE News – Centre Inauguration). These facilities support both care and knowledge creation, aligning with the UNDP’s approach to integrating education and healthcare. Awareness initiatives like “Unveil the Female Pelvis” (2024), CME on Medico-Legal Challenges in OBG (2024), and media outreach such as “Stay Fit in Menopause” in the Deccan Chronicle (Article link) further enhance literacy and reduce stigma around reproductive health.
Through its free clinical services, counselling frameworks, research centres, and public education initiatives, MAHE has built a comprehensive system that embeds sexual and reproductive health within the principles of sustainable development. These programs reach hundreds of students annually through direct care and thousands more through awareness initiatives, ensuring that discussions on fertility, contraception, menopause, and mental health are open, evidence-based, and inclusive. By connecting health access with education, MAHE directly advances SDG 3 (Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Its model demonstrates that sustainable development in higher education is not just about policy but about practical, student-centred action that safeguards dignity, promotes inclusion, and shapes resilient, informed communities.