State Health Minister Promises Dedicated Hospital Wards for the Transgender Community in Maharashtra

In a significant step towards inclusive healthcare, the Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare of Maharashtra, Prakashji Abitkar, met with Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Adv. Niranjan Davkhare at Mantralaya today. During the meeting, the issue of establishing exclusive wards for the transgender community in all government hospitals across the state was earnestly discussed.

Dr. Kailas Pawar, Civil Surgeon of Thane District Hospital, and MLC Adv. Davkhare jointly presented the ground realities faced by the transgender community. They emphasized that although this community represents a small demographic, it is an important and often neglected section of society. Due to widespread social stigma, hesitation, and fear, many transgender individuals are compelled to conceal their identity. Consequently, when they fall ill or require critical care, they often struggle to access appropriate medical facilities in conventional hospital setups.

Responding positively to the demand — raised on behalf of Seva Bharati Konkan Prant, concerned citizens, social activists, and the transgender community itself — Minister Abitkar assured that a dedicated ward for transgender patients will soon be established at Thane District Hospital. He also stated that necessary directives would be issued promptly to concerned authorities to facilitate immediate action.

This proactive and empathetic decision is being hailed as a pathbreaking move towards ensuring dignified and accessible healthcare for the transgender population. Seva Bharati Konkan Prant and other dignitaries present lauded the Minister’s initiative, calling it a landmark moment for inclusive public health in Maharashtra.

Present on the occasion were Dattaji Ghadge, Arun Gawhankar, Anand Raul, and Ms. Antara Shinde.

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