DECCAN NEWS SERVICE | HYDERABAD :  ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Hyderabad, has created history by inaugurating India's first dedicated Transgender Clinic in an ESIC institution, marking a major milestone in promoting inclusive and equitable healthcare. The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Queer Bandhu Parents Association, led by its Founder President M. Mukunda Mala, with the objective of ensuring accessible, dignified and stigma-free healthcare services for transgender persons.

The clinic was inaugurated on Tuesday by Dr. Shirishkumar G. Chavan, Dean of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Hyderabad. Addressing the gathering, he reaffirmed ESIC's commitment to delivering quality healthcare without discrimination and emphasised the institution's focus on creating a safe and welcoming environment for transgender individuals seeking medical care.

As part of the initiative, a dedicated Help Desk has also been established within the hospital to improve access to healthcare services for members of the transgender community. The Help Desk will provide guidance, counselling, service navigation and assistance in accessing various medical facilities available at the hospital, helping bridge the gap between the community and healthcare providers.

The collaboration between ESIC Medical College & Hospital and the Queer Bandhu Parents Association is aimed at strengthening transgender-inclusive healthcare through a patient-friendly approach that addresses the unique healthcare needs of the community. Hospital authorities said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring equality, dignity and respect in healthcare delivery.

Speaking on the occasion, M. Mukunda Mala, Founder President of the Queer Bandhu Parents Association, welcomed the launch of the clinic and described it as a significant step towards improving healthcare access for transgender persons. She expressed confidence that the initiative would encourage more members of the community to seek timely medical care without fear of stigma or discrimination.

The newly inaugurated clinic is expected to serve as a model for similar transgender-inclusive healthcare initiatives across the country, reinforcing ESIC's commitment to social inclusion and accessible healthcare for all.