Maharashtra’s First transgender ward starts at Gokuldas Tejpal Hospital

“All the staffers have been sensitised and issued detailed standard operating procedures,” she added.

Officials said that as members of the transgender community often face stigmatisation and discrimination when they approach healthcare facilities, the staffers have been trained to be humane while interacting with them.

As per rules, patients will have to submit their identity card to undergo a series of tests for sexually transmitted diseases as well as a psychological evaluation for suicidal ideation. However, if the patients don’t have any ID card, they can submit a written self-attested letter.

The ward has got gender neutral toilets for patients along with a separate examination room to maintain their privacy.

The government plans to start similar wards in other government hospitals, said officials. It has proposed to start the centre at Pune’s B J medical college, which is yet to become operational.

Uttar Pradesh was the first state to start a five-bed ward for transgenders in a hospital.