Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Breaking Barriers: Strategies for Inclusive Transgender Healthcare in Indian Hospitals-A Commentary
Altaf Yousuf Mir1, Sayani Das1, Sanjay Sharma2
1International Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), New Delhi, India.
None:
Transgender people have historically been discriminated against by the society. Since the time their legal rights were recognised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India, remarkable progress has been made to improve access to health services. The Transgender Act of 2019 and SMILE-Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise project by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2022 have boosted the efforts further. The Act emphasises that at least one government hospital in a state should provide safe and free gender-affirming surgery and related services. A major component of the SMILE scheme focuses on transgender health, providing a comprehensive medical health package in conjunction with the integration of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). However, its operationalisation is fraught with several systemic challenges. In order to ensure effective implementation, an inclusive approach across the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health system is warranted. This manuscript emphasises on creating Transgender Friendly Hospital Initiative by following a comprehensive approach. Establishment of a dedicated transgender OPD, separate wards/units, measures to improve quality of holistic care, sensitisation of care providers and hospital machinery, continuous medical education and advocacy for equal access are some of the measures suggested for institutionalisation of services. Success lies in collaborative and collective implementation of activities by creating a healthcare landscape that prioritises the well-being of transgender individuals across India.
Related Concept Videos
Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Integrated Healthcare System
Tertiary Healthcare System
