GRH transgender clinic becomes a beacon of inclusive healthcare

Madurai: Despite societal progress, transgender people in cities like Madurai continue to face discrimination and isolation, even from their families. Since its inception in 2021, the Transgender Multi-Specialty Clinic at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) has provided a safe and reliable space for transgender individuals to access quality medical care without fear of prejudice or financial burden. Operating every Thursday, the clinic has witnessed a steady increase in patients and calls for expanding similar facilities across all districts.

Lakshit Prasanna, 29, a transman from Ramanathapuram, shared his journey of self-discovery and the support he received at GRH. “During my school and college days, I was confused about my gender and had little awareness about sexuality, especially being from a village. I struggled with societal and familial pressure, particularly around marriage, and fell into depression after seeking psychiatric help. It was only later that I accessed hormonal treatment at GRH,” he said. In September, Lakshit underwent Top Surgery at GRH and noted that his family felt reassured after witnessing the support provided at the clinic. He emphasized the need for more government hospitals to extend similar services.

Dr Sridhar, an endocrinologist at GRH, highlighted the clinic’s comprehensive care model, involving specialists from endocrinology, plastic surgery, gynaecology, and urology. “Psychiatric assessment is the first step to determine gender inclination. Hormonal therapy is initiated once the gender is confirmed, followed by gender-affirming surgeries based on the patient’s needs,” he explained. Since 2021, the clinic has treated 700 new outpatients and 1,650 review outpatients, while performing 229 gender-affirming surgeries for both transmen and transwomen.

Dr Aram, a plastic surgeon at GRH, noted that many patients opt for Top Surgery but may not proceed with full gender-affirming surgeries. “Interestingly, we see more trans men (female-to-male patients), often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, working in factories and dependent on government hospitals. Mastectomies (removal of the breasts) were common among these patients,” he added.

The Omega Forum for Social Impact has set up a help desk at GRH to assist transgender individuals with counselling and connecting with doctors. Priya Babu, a transgender activist and founder of the Transgender Resource Centre, urged authorities to extend outpatient services at GRH to more than one day. “Many transgender patients travel from districts like Virudhunagar and Tirunelveli and struggle to find temporary accommodation. A separate department for transgender and queer people in government hospitals or at least sensitizing doctors to address their unique medical needs would significantly benefit the community,” she said.

Courtesy: Times Of India

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