A step toward inclusivity: India's first transgender OPD inaugurated at Delhi's RML hospital

PTC News Desk: India's first transgender Outpatient Department (OPD) has been inaugurated today at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, taking a step toward inclusivity and healthcare accessibility.

Professor Dr Ajay Shukla, Director of RML Hospital, led the inaugural ceremony and underlined the importance of providing the transgender community with equitable healthcare services.

Dr. Ajay Shukla addressed the gathering and emphasized the challenges that transgender people encounter when seeking medical care. He said that transgender people had a lot of trouble using the services at the hospital.

"Their numbers in the hospital were negligible, largely due to discomfort and the fear of discrimination. Hence, on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, we have initiated this special OPD dedicated to their healthcare needs."

The setting up of a dedicated restroom facility for transgender patients on the hospital grounds is one of the initiative's standout features.

Transgender people should feel at ease and have no problems using this restroom when visiting the hospital, according to its design.

Transgender people in attendance at the inauguration expressed gratitude and pleasure for this pioneering step. Transgender community members said, "We are overjoyed with this initiative. Today's inauguration feels like a special gift to us on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. Previously, we often hesitated to come to the hospital."

On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, RML Hospital held a blood donation drive in addition to opening the transgender OPD.

Making sure that healthcare treatments are available to everyone, regardless of gender identity, is made significantly easier with the opening of India's first transgender OPD and the considerate installation of bathroom facilities.

It is anticipated that this pioneering effort at RML Hospital will inspire similar initiatives across the country and serve as an example of inclusivity, advancing the cause of universal access to healthcare.

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