For the first time in the country, the Kerala government will implement a “Queer-friendly hospital initiative” to protect the rights of the queer, transgender community. They will do so to ensure unbiased healthcare services for them in hospitals, reported The Hindu.
Health Minister Veena George on Monday stated the health department intends it to be an initiative wherein all hospital care would be ensured without any discrimination.
In the first phase, the initiative will be implemented in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode districts of Kerala. Following the success of the “Queer-friendly hospital initiative”, more such programs will be introduced.
Kerala has always been at the forefront of various gender-neutral laws and policies. The state’s Health Minister also said that the state will have a healthcare system providing all treatments and health services irrespective of gender identification. In terms of inclusivity and equality, the state of Kerala has emerged as one of the only states to give the queer community much-needed support and dignity. They do it through their policies and subsequent implementation.
“This government is truly committed to uplifting the transgender community. For the very first time, we have granted the transgender community a reservation in the nursing field,” said Minister Veena George in a press statement. George further stated that these healthcare facilities will gradually be implemented in all hospitals across Kerala. George stated that the government was focused on providing quality healthcare to all.
General Hospitals in the areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Kozhikode are in the process of getting equipped to offer the program to those seeking medical attention. Hospital employees and healthcare institutions are also receiving comprehensive training and sensitization. They are being trained to listen and understand the problems of queer and transgender community without any biases.
