The Kerala government is gearing up to launch the ‘Queer-Friendly Hospital Initiative’, a groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing healthcare facilities and safeguarding the rights of transgenders and queers in the state, government officials said on Monday.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George emphasized the government’s dedication to creating an inclusive health system where everyone, regardless of their gender identity, can access essential services.
Minister George stated, “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.”
The implementation of this initiative will commence in four districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Kozhikode. Healthcare staff in these districts have already undergone specialised training to ensure that general hospitals become safe and welcoming spaces for queer individuals. The government aims to gradually extend this initiative to all healthcare institutions across Kerala, the Health Minister said.
The Kerala Government’s official Twitter account said, “For the first time in India, ‘Queer Friendly Hospital Initiative’ is being implemented in Kerala. In the first phase, the project is being executed in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur & Kozhikode districts. It aims to protect the rights of transgender and queer people.”
To kickstart the efforts, the Transgender Community Link Worker (CLW) project has been initiated in the aforementioned districts. The role of community link workers is critical in bridging the gap between the transgender community and the healthcare system. These support workers will facilitate access to necessary healthcare services, addressing the barriers faced by transgender individuals.
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