KOLKATA: As the country celebrated the National Transgender Day on Saturday, the community in Bengal had a reason to feel inclusive. A private healthcare unit in Kolkata launched a healthcare card for the community that has been complaining of accessibility and rights issues including that of healthcare.
West Bengal has an estimate of about 60,000 transgenders most have to struggle for their basic rights – education, livelihood and healthcare. There have been various reports of the community facing stigma and difficulty accessing proper healthcare services. With the launch of HCG Pride & Privilege card the community now feel assured of access to quality healthcare with respect and dignity.
“This is a crucial step towards addressing the healthcare needs of our community, including cancer care services. This health card will not only provide us with access to quality healthcare but also help us feel inclusive in society. I hope this initiative will inspire other healthcare providers to follow suit and create a more inclusive healthcare system for all,” transgender rights activist Ranjita Sinha.
An initiative by HCG EKO Cancer Centre Kolkata, the health card offers packages for cancer screening and treatment for people from the community.
The card was first launched in Jharkhand and there are plans to take the initiative across other states to bring the whole transgender community in India under this umbrella.
Prateek Jain, Regional Business Head of Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd -East & AP said, “The transgender community faces unique healthcare challenges and often experiences discrimination and stigma. To address these barriers we have extended our cancer care services to the transgender community in West Bengal.”
“Their genetic makeup and lifestyle puts them at a higher risk of developing genetic disorders, including cancer. We are committed to raising awareness and providing the necessary healthcare services to this community” said Dr Amarjeet Singh, COO, HCG EKO Cancer Centre.
US consulate general Melinda Pavek was the chief guest at the event attended by the likes of film personality MoonMoon Sen designer and social reformerAgni Mitra Pal.
Courtesy : TOI
Note: This news piece was originally published in timesofindia.com and used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Rights
