Govt working for the welfare of transgenders: Ma Subramanian

CHENNAI: More than 4,000 transgender people have got "Transgender Health Card" through the Social Welfare Department, health minister Ma Subramanian said on Friday. He also released a book on transgenders at the Government Family Welfare Training Center, Egmore.

He said that the Government of Tamil Nadu has developed special treatment units for transgenders in government hospitals at a cost of about Rs 1.50 crore as transgender special treatment centers in five medical college hospitals, which includes both inpatient and outpatient units.

Talking about various benefits being provided to transgender community, he said that a monthly incentive of Rs 3,000 is given to the transgenders who pass the exams in universities with a good score.

Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society is implementing seven projects in the state to benefit transgenders across the State at a cost of Rs. 1.75 crores.

"Transgender women are being given a free full body check-up at government hospitals once in three months. Sex reassignment surgery and male fertility counseling are being provided through transgender specialist treatment centers. Surgeries are being done under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. Through the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society, transgenders are given skill development training and suitable job opportunities, " he said.