REPORT ON PROVISIONS FOR TRANSGENDERS IN HOSPITALS IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Transgender people have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from the sex that
they were assigned at birth. Some transgender people who desire medical assistance to
transition from one sex to another identify as transsexual. Transgender, often shortened as
trans, is also an umbrella term; in addition to including people whose gender identity is the
opposite of their assigned sex (trans men and trans women), it may also include people who
are non-binary or gender queer. Other definitions of transgender also include people who
belong to a third gender, or else conceptualize transgender people as a third gender. Many
transgender people experience gender dysphoria, and some seek medical treatments such as
hormone replacement therapy, sex reassignment surgery, or psychotherapy. Not all
transgender people desire these treatments, and some cannot undergo them for financial or
medical reasons. Many transgender people face discrimination in the workplace and in
accessing public accommodations and healthcare. In many places, they are not legally
protected from discrimination. Transgender people are diverse in their gender identities (the
way you feel on the inside), gender expressions (the way you dress and act), and sexual
orientations (the people you’re attracted to). Transgender people are a vulnerable population
of patients with negative experiences in health care contributing to stigmatization of their
gender identity. Transgender persons suffer significant health disparities and may require
medical intervention as part of their care. Transgender persons suffer significant health
disparities in multiple arenas. Real or perceived stigma and discrimination within
biomedicine and the health care provision in general may impact transgender people’s desire
and ability to access appropriate care.
The transgender community in India has faced discrimination almost everywhere for years
and healthcare is not an exception. What is believed to be a basic human right to others, is
still a challenge for many of them. The non-recognition and non-acceptance of their gender
identity is a major barrier that makes not only access to healthcare but also to food security,
employment and education more difficult than others. India has almost 4.88 lakh transgender
persons, as per the Population Census, 2011. To give them recognition and address their
issues, the Parliament of India had recently enacted the Transgender Persons (Protection of
Rights) Act, 2019 which calls for changing the negative attitude of the general public,
prohibition of discrimination and access to welfare measures including healthcare.