Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow takes a monumental step towards inclusivity and healthcare equity with the inauguration of its Transgender Clinical Care Unit on 19th July 2024. The transgender community faces a huge challenge in availing adequate healthcare in our society.This pioneering initiative, first of its kind in North India, aims to provide multidisciplinary specialized medical services and comprehensive care tailored to the specific needs of the transgender community.
This comprehensive facility is managed by Department of Endocrinology as the nodal department and includes hormone replacement therapy, surgical procedures like reduction mammoplasty, genital reconstructive surgery, counselling, psychiatric support, and dermatology services. Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns (Prof Rajiv Agarwal, Head of department), Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation (Prof M.S. Ansari, Head of department), Department of Psychiatry (Dr Romil Saini), Department of Dermatology and Venereal Diseases (Dr Ajit Kumar) and Department of Microbiology (Prof Rungmei S.K. Marak, Head of department) are key care providers. Other medical issues will be dealt by other departments of the Institute as and when required. The services will be provided through weekly OPD (every Friday) and admission facility by a dedicated six-bedded ward.
A transgender person is someone whose gender identity differs from that assigned to them at birth. In Indiathe transgender community has a rich cultural history dating back centuries. The 2011 census of India found that nearly 5 lakh individuals are transgender. This community has traditionally been marginalized and stigmatized. However, recent years have seen positive shifts in societal attitudes and legal recognition in large parts due to efforts by the Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board under the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by prominent community leaders, healthcare professionals, and advocates for transgender rights, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to achieve comprehensive healthcare reform. The chief guest of the ceremony was Smt. Devika Devendra S Mangalamukhi, State executive member and advisor to the Transgender Welfare Board, Government of Uttar Pradesh. She emphasized the challenges faced by the community and the steps taken by the government in ensuring their welfare. She hailed the efforts of the Institution in providing care to this marginalised section of society.
Prof. (Dr.)Radha Krishna Dhiman, Director of SGPGIMS, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, stating, "We are committed to ensuring that every individual receives compassionate and appropriate healthcare. The establishment of this unit underscores our dedication to serving all members of our community with dignity and respect."
Professor (Dr.) Sushil Gupta, Head of Department of Endocrinology, who is heading the Unit, spoke about the challenges faced in the completion of this endeavour. He recalled how the first step in this direction was made at a multidisciplinary workshop on ‘Medical Issues of Transgenders - Right To Health Initiative’ conducted in the latter half of 2023 to raise awareness on the health issues faced by this community. He further detailed the untiring efforts made by Prof R.K. Dhiman, Director, Prof Sanjay Dhiraj, Chief Medical superintendent, Prof Preeti Dabadghao, Prof Subhash Yadav and other members of administration to bring this ambitious task to fruition.