Even though the government has opened clinics for transgenders, there is little expertise in the public sector to handle the specialised needs of the community. The people accessing the clinics are stared upon and often face ill treatment from the hospital staff.
This was one of the complaints raised by transgenders at the opening of an Identity Clinic at a private hospital in the city.
Renju Renjimar, make-up artist and secretary of Dhwayah Arts and Cultural Society, an association of transgenders, inaugurated the clinic that will be part of the general OP at Sunrise Hospital. Hormonal therapies, psychological counselling and reassignment surgeries will be done at the clinic.
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“There are hospitals outside the State which offer surgeries without proper mental and physical preparation necessary to undergo gender change,” said Riya, an adalat judge, at the function. “Those who have undergone such surgeries have found the transition extremely difficult,” she added.
“Many among transgenders are not aware of treatments and medicines, and the possible side-effects if the surgery is done without proper guidance,” said Sweety, a journalist.
Hibi Eden, MLA, Dr. Hafeez Rahman, chairman of the hospital, Dr. K.R. Prathap Kumar, Medical Director, Dr. Praveen Kumar, diabetologist, and Dr. Suja P. Sukumar, endocrinologist were among those who spoke on the occasion.
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