Two Speciality clinics for transpersons to come up soon

Although gender reassignment surgeries for transpersons are being undertaken at the RGGGH for the past three years, this radically forward-looking move will ensure that the clinics have a focus. The clinics will look at all aspects, including facilities to deal with their psychological and psycho-sexual problems, besides their physical ailments as well.

“The clinic will have all specialists coming in. However, special days will be earmarked for the clinic to run. The clinics are being established to recognise transpersons and provide them with whatever they need,” said Dr R Jayanthi, Dean, RGGGH.

Stating that the clinics, which are to come up at a cost of Rs 30 lakh, will now function with a focus, Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan said, “Generally, transpersons who are not comfortable with their nature, tend to visit unauthorised clinics and centres in places like Bangkok. However, now they will be able make use of the opportunity to undergo other treatments too in government facilities in Chennai and Madurai.”

“We have decided to give it a focus by making it a formal announcement. Any surgery can take place at an Operation Theatre. However, with an aim to make it a kind of facility that people will know about and be able to avail of free treatment, such a clinic is being established,” he stated, adding that this will help check their visits to quacks.

Welcoming this initiative by the state government, Activist Grace Banu, who is also a transperson, said, “We are glad that the government is recognising our needs. However, our main request is that they train doctors who understand the needs of transpersons. The government had already announced free surgeries for us, which is being done at hospitals like RGGGH and Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital. However, it is being done by surgeons who are not well trained in handling such cases, thereby resulting in a lot of internal complications among those who have already undergone the surgeries.”