Hyderabad: The Telangana government launched Mythri Trans Clinics across 33 districts on Monday. These clinics, which operate every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm, are a joint initiative by the department for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and the state health department.
Before the inauguration, representatives from the LGBTQIA+ community met with Hyderabad police commissioner C.V. Anand and traffic police officials at the Secretariat to discuss nominations for the volunteering programme.
The clinics, located in district hospitals such as the Government Area Hospital in Vanasthalipuram (Rangareddy) and Government Hospital in Medchal, are the first in India to provide a comprehensive state-wide healthcare support system for transgender persons.
Each clinic is staffed by a doctor, a counsellor, and a transgender individual serving as a community representative. The initiative addresses long-standing barriers faced by transgender individuals in accessing healthcare, including societal discrimination and stigma.
During the inauguration, LGBTQIA+ community representatives joined medical officers, state officials, and other dignitaries to witness the opening of these clinics. "This is a step in the right direction. Transgender persons are often stopped at the entrance of government hospitals, unable to access even basic healthcare. These clinics represent a small but meaningful change," said Anil, a member of the community who also runs an NGO for the community.
Anil also noted the need for further sensitisation among medical staff and the public. "For trans individuals to feel confident in seeking medical help at government facilities, there’s still a long way to go. Stigma and stereotypes have made healthcare access a constant battle," Anil added.
The clinics aim to provide counselling, general health services, HIV-related care, and guidance on gender affirmation procedures. They also serve as hubs for information about government welfare schemes that offer assistance with applications and eligibility processes.
As part of the volunteering project, directed by Revanth Reddy, officials aim to employ transgender individuals in traffic management roles to tackle the growing congestion in the city.
While these initiatives signal progress, advocates stress the need for ongoing efforts to educate healthcare providers, public officials, and society at large. "The clinics and volunteering projects are promising, but they are just the beginning," said a person from the community, adding, "Real change will come when societal attitudes shift.”
