Dirty looks, judgmental opinions, disgusting giggles and snide remarks are all a part of visiting any doctor for most transgender people in the country.
In a first, a medical college in Kerala- Kottayam Medical College has started this initiative of offering free medical services for the transgenders on the first Tuesday of every month.
Adithi, a transgender woman from the state has always found it an ugly leitmotif to visit any clinic for health purposes.
“More than anything, it has been a daunting task to face the eyes of the people. It has been a torturous journey for us. Hence, this move by the government is applaudable. The health-services provided at the college are basically meant for hormonal treatment, hair removal and so on,” she said.
Adithi explained that the move is wonderful one which will empower them. “We will not have to face the unanimous gaze from the people anymore.”
The clinic shall provide a variety of doctors for free medical aid at the hospital like general medicine, psychiatry, dermatology, endocrinology and plastic surgery.
“The multidisciplinary approach will help in providing a full-fledged treatment for the community, which is the sole idea behind this initiative,” said Dr Varghese P Punnoose, Professor, and Head of Department, Psychiatry at the hospital.
He added, “As doctors working in the field, we have noticed that there is a lot of trouble which transgenders face. Even in the medical field, most people do not know or prefer to deal with them. The mind-set hence should be changed.”
Equal rights activists and supporters look up to this move as a positive one.
“I think it is important to know that there has been enough prejudice against the community. This move and such moves will correct the wrongdoings against the community for long,” said Harish Iyer, a well-known equal rights activist from Mumbai.