India can lead in transgender healthcare globally

Source: The post India can lead in transgender healthcare globally has been created, based on the article “How India can become the vishwaguru for transgender healthcare” published in “Indian Express” on 24th February 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Context: The article discusses the rollback of transgender rights in the U.S. under Trump. It highlights India’s legal protections and healthcare policies for transgender people. It suggests that India can become a global hub for transgender healthcare with better implementation and investment.

How Has the Trump Administration Affected Transgender Rights?

1. The Trump administration implemented policies that significantly restricted transgender rights.
2. An executive order was issued to recognize only two sexes—male and female—which affected federal IDs like passports.
3. A ban was placed on federal funding for gender-affirming care for individuals under 19, cutting off access to puberty blockers and hormone replacement treatments.
4. Transgender individuals were reinstated a ban from serving in the military and from participating in women’s sports in federally-funded schools.
5. Detention policies were changed to house transgender individuals based on their sex assigned at birth, increasing their risk of violence.
6. USAID’s transgender healthcare support was halted, leading to Mitr Clinic’s closure in India.

What Are India’s Existing Legal Protections for Transgender People?

1. The 2014 NALSA vs Union of India judgment legally recognized transgender people and provided protection against discrimination.
2. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 prohibits discrimination in education, employment, housing, and public spaces.
3. The law mandates at least one government hospital per state to provide sex reassignment surgery.
4. The Ayushman Bharat TG Plus card offers Rs 5,00,000 per person for transgender healthcare, but implementation is pending.
5. AIIMS Delhi has set up a Centre of Excellence for Transgender Healthcare to enhance medical services.

How Can India Become a Global Hub for Transgender Healthcare?

1. Countries like Thailand perform many gender-affirming surgeries and attract medical tourists.
2. India has good doctors, a strong private healthcare system, and a culture that accepts gender diversity.
3. If medical colleges include transgender healthcare training and public hospitals provide more services, India can become a major destination for transgender healthcare.

What Steps Are Needed to Improve Transgender Healthcare in India?

1. Implement the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and Rules, 2020.
2. Train doctors in gender-affirming surgeries and include transgender healthcare in medical education.
3. Set professional guidelines for transgender healthcare.
4. Improve public healthcare, including the Ayushman Bharat TG Plus scheme.
5. Improve passport, visa, and document-change policies for transgender individuals.
6. Increase the budget for transgender healthcare in India.

Conclusion

If India improves policies and invests in healthcare, it can become a leader in transgender healthcare. With proper action, India can provide quality, affordable, and safe medical services for transgender individuals worldwide.

Question for practice:

Discuss how India can become a global hub for transgender healthcare and the steps needed to achieve this goal.