From next Sat, KEM to become first BMC hosp to have weekly OPD for trans persons

Mumbai: BMC-run KEM Hospital will start a special outpatient department (OPD)/clinic for transgender persons in the first week of Sept. The clinic will be launched in partnership with NGO Sakhi Char Chaughi, which counsels transgender persons.

The hospital will become the first in BMC’s health network to start an independent OPD for the transgender community. In Feb 2023, state-run GT Hospital became the first in the state to start a 30-bed ward for transgender persons offering free clinical treatment as well as mental health counselling. A year later, it started offering an advanced endoscopic procedure to enhance the feminisation process in trans women.

The KEM OPD, which will function on Saturdays, will be in the department of urology in the only multi-storeyed building on the campus. While the head of urology, Dr Sujata Patwardhan, will oversee the clinic, a senior civic official said plastic surgeons, too, would be part of the care process.

“The transgender community in India faces significant barriers, including social discrimination and limited access to appropriate healthcare… Urological health is particularly critical, especially for those undergoing or considering gender-affirming surgeries,” said a release from Sakhi Char Chaughi. Gender-affirming surgeries often lead to specific urological concerns. Despite these critical needs, India’s healthcare system is often unprepared to offer the necessary care due to a shortage of trained professionals and persistent stigma, said the release. Many transgender persons, hence, avoid seeking medical help.

The NGO’s representatives met KEM Hospital’s academic dean Dr Harish Pathak over the last few months to work out details of the OPD. Hospital dean Dr Sangeeta Ravat said, “I am happy that we are starting this special OPD to help resolve surgical and medical problems faced by the transgender community. Our multi-disciplinary team will do its best to resolve their issues.”

A few years ago, the Centre had encouraged public hospitals to offer free gender reassignment surgeries and treatment to transgender persons.

Courtesy : TOI

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