Expedite creation of Transgender wards in Govt Hospitals: Delhi Govt urged

Written by Medical Dialogues Team Published On 2025-03-05T12:23:17+05:30 | Updated On 5 March 2025 12:23 PM IST

New Delhi: In a move aimed at improving healthcare services for the transgender community, the Delhi government's Social Welfare Department has urged the Department of Health and Family Welfare to expedite the establishment of dedicated wards for transgender individuals in all government hospitals across the city.

The proposal also calls for the designation of a specific hospital for sex reassignment surgeries to ensure that the transgender community's medical rights and dignity are respected.

In a recent letter, the Social Welfare Department highlighted the importance of these steps in ensuring the rights and dignity of transgender persons. According to TOI, in the letter the department stated, "In the spirit of section 15(f) and (g), Chapter VI of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, it was already requested to expedite the establishment of dedicated wards for transgenders in every govt hospital in Delhi and designate a hospital for sex reassignment surgery to ensure their rights and dignity."

The letter highlights the urgent need for designated medical facilities to address the unique health needs of transgender individuals, particularly in light of their susceptibility to infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis (TB).

Also Read: Maha: GT Hospital opens first dedicated OPD for transgenders

Speaking to TOI, a social department official said, "These steps are important to avoid any form of discrimination at the ground level. We are working on adding third-gender options to most of our welfare schemes. Further, the constant follow-up of the letter with departments is happening."

Despite the positive intentions, activists have raised concerns over the pace of implementation of several schemes and ideas aimed at supporting the transgender community. According to Rupika Dhillon, the director of the Society for Peoples' Awareness, Care & Empowerment, the transgender community continues to face obstacles in accessing welfare benefits. Dhillon pointed out that a transgender individual was unable to avail of a disability pension because there was no transgender option in the system.

Speaking to TOI, Dhillon said, "We request govt to expedite implementation of all welfare schemes and ideas for transgenders."

The Delhi government’s move to set up dedicated wards and designate hospitals for sex reassignment surgery is part of a broader effort to address the healthcare disparities faced by transgender people.

Also Read: RML Hospital gets India's first Outpatient department for transgenders

Medical dialogues had previously reported that in a step toward inclusivity and healthcare accessibility, Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital inaugurated India's first transgender Outpatient Department (OPD). The inaugural ceremony was led by Professor Dr Ajay Shukla, Director of RML Hospital, who emphasized the importance of providing equitable healthcare services to the transgender community.

Delhi governmenttransgender wardSex Reassignment Surgerytransgendersgovernment hospitals

Medical Dialogues Team