South First brings you the impactful stories of Telangana's transgender doctors Dr Prachi Rathore and Dr Koyyala Ruth John Paul.
Dr Koyyala Ruth John Paul and Dr Prachi Rathore. (Supplied)
On a bustling Wednesday, a sense of anticipation filled the air at Osmania General Hospital (OGH), one of the oldest healthcare institutions in the country.
In one corner of the hospital, preparations were in full swing for the inauguration of the new Transgender Clinic — a groundbreaking endeavour that promises to bring about positive change. Hospital staff hurriedly arranged balloons, their hands moving swiftly to create a festive atmosphere.
The excitement was palpable, for Telangana Home Minister Mahmood Ali was expected to grace the occasion.
However, amidst all the enthusiasm, this event held an even more profound meaning for two individuals in particular — Dr Prachi Rathore and Dr Koyyala Ruth John Paul — two transgender doctors in government service in Telangana.
For these two remarkable doctors, this moment was a culmination of their journey, a time to cherish and savour the realisation of their aspirations.
Mahmood Ali, Home Minister of Telangana, inaugurating the Transgender Clinic. (Sumit Jha/South First)
As the minutes ticked by, the much-anticipated inauguration of the Transgender Clinic finally arrived. The doors of the clinic swung open, revealing a space that symbolised hope, acceptance, and progress.
The significance of this milestone was not lost on those present and a sense of pride and optimism filled the hearts of everyone in attendance.
The clinic, thoughtfully designed to cater specifically to the healthcare needs of the transgender community, aspires to provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to their unique requirements.
From the sensitive identification and management of gender dysphoria to the issuance of Gender Identity Disorder (GID) certificates, the clinic has set out on a mission to offer specialised care and unwavering support.
At the heart of this pioneering endeavour are Dr Prachi and Dr Ruth, the first transgender medical officers in Telangana.
But as you can expect, life for these two doctors has been a series of hardships, including humiliations, rejections, and countless personal struggles.
These challenges encompass various forms of discrimination, lack of acceptance from loved ones, and even the risk of experiencing abuse. Yet both the doctors have made a name for themselves.
On the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, South First brings to you the life and times of the marvellous Dr Prachi and Dr Ruth.
Dr Prachi hails from a small village in the Adilabad district of Telangana, belonging to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. Growing up, she discovered her true identity at a young age, realising that she was different from her peers assigned the male gender at birth.
Despite societal expectations, Dr Prachi gravitated towards activities typically associated with girls, rather than conforming to traditional gender roles.
“I didn’t possess the same inclination as boys my age, preferring activities such as playing with dolls and engaging in household tasks, rather than participating in typically male-dominated sports like cricket or football,” Dr Prachi tells South First.
Dr Prachi Rathore. (Supplied)
Attending a convent school, she encountered discrimination and felt isolated among her male classmates. Seeking a fresh start, Dr Prachi made the decision to attend boarding school in Class 7, hoping for acceptance and understanding.
However, the harassment and bullying she faced at the boarding school intensified, leaving her unable to share her true self and constantly be on guard to avoid judgement and ridicule.
“Bathing in front of others became an uncomfortable experience, prompting me to wake up early in the morning before anyone else to ensure I could bathe privately. I would hurry to get ready and leave for school or study hours ahead of others, fearing the laughter and judgement that would accompany me if I walked alongside them,” she shares.
She says that she became extremely conscious of timing and would even skip meals if it meant avoiding the gaze of her peers. Walking in front of others was an ordeal, as she constantly worried about being scrutinised and mocked.
“These challenges persisted throughout Class 10, where I found solace in my academic pursuits due to the lack of friends. Despite all difficulties, I excelled in my studies, securing an impressive score of 543 out of 600,” she shares.
In Class 11, the harassment escalated, causing Prachi immense distress and eventually leading her to attempt suicide. After a brief hospitalisation, she continued her studies at home, where she persevered and achieved an exceptional score in her intermediate exams.
Dr Prachi secured an MBBS seat at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in her hometown of Adilabad. “My parents, concerned for my well-being, did not want to take any chances by sending me to OGH or Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad,” she recalls.
For Dr Ruth, who is from Khamam district, there were two significant experiences that shaped her decision to become a doctor.
“When I was just seven years old, I encountered a group of transgender individuals and among them was a person who seemed to be suffering from HIV and tuberculosis. Despite her desperate struggle and numerous visits to various hospitals, she was turned away each time. Witnessing her ordeal for an entire year, I eventually saw her pass away,” a resolute Dr Ruth tells South First.
“I remember, another transgender person expressing her anguish over the lack of access to medical care and how our society disregarded people like her. This deeply affected me and at that young age, I resolved to become a doctor to treat trans people.”
Dr Ruth John Paul. (Supplied)
Another incident she recalls is from when she was in Class 8 and her older brother completed his high school education and expressed his desire to pursue a career in medicine.
“Unfortunately, our family faced financial constraints that prevented him from entering the medical field. It was evident that we lacked the means to support higher education. During that period, my mother took care of me, my brother, and my older sister. This further reinforced my determination to become a doctor,” says Dr Ruth.
Ruth believed that if she tried hard enough, she could achieve her goal. “I made the decision to focus on studying diligently. I wanted to become a doctor so that I could serve my community and ensure that others wouldn’t have to suffer like that trans woman did,” says Dr Ruth.
Dr Prachi recalls that the harassment she faced during her time in medical college was not as severe as in the past. It was during this period that she reached a turning point in her life.
She realised that it was better for her to embrace her true identity. She found inspiration in all the motivational videos of transgender activists, which gave her the courage to reveal her true self.
“The opportunity presented itself during the freshers’ event when the seniors asked me to wear a saree. Although I tried to conceal my excitement, I was elated inside. I boldly wore the saree, fully expressing my identity. To my immense gratitude, my college community, including my classmates and professors, embraced me with open arms. This milestone was a significant achievement in my personal journey,” says Dr Prachi.
She continued her MBBS studies and later travelled to Delhi for UPSC coaching. During this time, she further explored and embraced her feminine side. However, six months in, she made the decision to discontinue coaching and prioritise her transition process.
Dr Ruth, who did her MBBS at Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, on the other hand, decided it was time to open up to her family about her gender identity upon completing her MBBS.
“I believed it was important for them to know, even if their reaction might be filled with confusion and concern. I hoped that by sharing my truth, they would eventually come to understand and accept me,” she says.
“Initially, when I revealed my identity, it was met with a mix of attention and panic from my family members. It took them four to five years to truly comprehend and embrace who I am,” says Dr Ruth.
After Dr Prachi returned to Hyderabad, she joined a medical college in Patancheru as a junior resident doctor, which allowed her to earn some money.
“It was during this time that I began my transition process. In Hyderabad, I connected with community members who shared similar experiences and lived in the same city. However, I hadn’t gathered the courage to discuss my identity with my parents yet,” she says.
Alongside her medical career, Dr Prachi contemplated pursuing a degree in fashion designing as a means to finding acceptance and avoiding discrimination. She enrolled in fashion design studies and even participated in fashion shows organised by designers.
“However, as passionate as I was about fashion, I realised that I didn’t want to disregard the six years I had invested in earning my medical degree. So, I decided to give my career in medicine another chance. I did a diploma course in Emergency Medicine while continuing my work.
“As my transition process was underway, the confused stares from colleagues prompted me to reveal that I was undergoing a transition. In response, the hospital administration asked me to stop coming to work,” recalls Dr Prachi.
She adds that she applied to several hospitals, submitting her résumé in the hope of finding employment. “Many rejected me, including a hospital where I worked for two days before they decided they were not comfortable with me,” Dr Prachi says.
Dr Ruth treating patients. (Supplied)
For Dr Ruth, it took her four to five years to truly comprehend and embrace who she was. “
After graduating from MBBS in 2018, I made the courageous decision to reveal my identity openly. However, the harsh reality was that I faced rejection from at least 15 hospitals solely because of my identity. It was a challenging time as I actively sought employment opportunities instead of resorting to begging.
“Sadly, suitable job opportunities were scarce, given the limited options available for people like me. The weight of social stigma became overwhelming and, at one point, I even contemplated pursuing my career as a ‘male’ to secure a livelihood. However, I couldn’t bring myself to take that path,” recalls Dr Ruth.
However, in 2021, a significant development took place. Mitr Clinic, the first transgender clinic in India, was established in Hyderabad with the support of USAID. For both Dr Prachi and Dr Ruth, this opened a door for them to be a professional doctors serving people without being judged based on their identity.
It was a part-time position, with Dr Prachi working for three days and Dr Ruth working for three days. This was a breakthrough, as it provided a platform specifically tailored for the transgender community.
“Although the clinic offered a valuable opportunity, we still faced challenges when it came to job prospects in mainstream society. However, we persevered, working together for the past two years,” says Dr Ruth.
“This employment opportunity brought a significant reduction in my depression. I had the privilege of treating individuals from my community and I gradually became involved in moderating conferences focused on LGBTQIA+ topics, as well as giving guest lectures at medical colleges. People began to recognise me and that’s when the Superintendent of Osmania General Hospital, Dr B Nagendra, expressed interest in establishing a transgender clinic. During an LGBTQIA+ awareness programme where I was presenting, Dr Nagendra informed me about a vacancy in the hospital and encouraged me to apply,” recalls Dr Prachi.
Dr Prachi says that, with zero expectations, she applied for the position, never imagining she would have the chance to work in a government hospital.
“To my astonishment and delight, I received an appointment letter and I felt on top of the world. I never thought I would get the opportunity to work in the government sector and serve the general population, including transgender individuals,” says an elated Dr Prachi.
She shares that the people at Osmania General Hospital are incredibly friendly and welcoming.
“In fact, they express genuine happiness when they see us. It’s remarkable to witness their positive attitude towards individuals like us. It is truly an honour to hold the position of Medical Officer and even Chief Medical Officer. This achievement is not to be taken lightly, as it represents a significant accomplishment in my career,” she shares.
After all that they have been through in life, it only felt natural for them to now be the voices of the transgender community in society, especially in healthcare.
Dr Prachi says that creating a non-discriminatory and inclusive healthcare system is crucial.
“This involves implementing measures such as separate lines for transgender patients, dedicated wards or doctors, and comprehensive sensitisation of all healthcare staff. By ensuring a welcoming and understanding environment — from receptionists to medical officers — the mental stress faced by transgender individuals when seeking healthcare can be significantly reduced,” she states.
The transgender community has very limited access to healthcare in India. (Commons)
She adds that providing a comfortable and safe space within hospitals for the transgender community is essential.
This includes access to mental health services, gender-affirming treatments, and surgical procedures. Sensitised doctors and staff are vital in building trust and eliminating discrimination. Private institutions and hospitals should prioritise sensitisation and awareness.
Dr Ruth says that it is her privilege to provide medical care to her fellow transgender individuals and it brings her great joy to see their gratitude and happiness when they receive treatment.
“These experiences hold a special place in my heart and have given my journey even more meaning. When it comes to the specific healthcare needs and challenges faced by transgender individuals, it is crucial to approach each patient with respect and understanding. Inquiring about their gender identity and how they perceive themselves is important to establish a trusting relationship,” she adds, agreeing with Dr Prachi.
“Affordability of services remains a concern in private hospitals and efforts should be made to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for transgender individuals. Positive initiatives taken by some medical colleges are commendable, but it is necessary to extend these practices to every hospital and medical institution across the country,” Dr Prachi adds.
For the indomitable Dr Prachi and Dr Ruth, balancing personal experiences as transgender individuals with the objective responsibilities of being a medical professional is hard, but they enjoy it.
“Balancing personal experiences as a transgender individual with professional responsibilities as a medical professional can be challenging. Transgender individuals often face mental tensions and have to navigate their personal struggles alongside societal expectations and family dynamics. Despite personal challenges, it’s important to separate those from professional duties and maintain professionalism while providing healthcare services,” says Dr Prachi.
She quickly adds, “However, it’s understandable that personal struggles may continue to affect one’s well-being outside of work. It’s essential to prioritise self-care, seek support from friends, allies, or professional networks, and access mental health resources when needed.”
Dr Prachi says that transgender individuals deserve respect and acceptance, and it is high time that society challenges hierarchical approaches to the gender spectrum.
“Equal opportunities and rights, including reservation systems and employment opportunities, should be promoted for transgender individuals. Society must understand that transgender individuals contribute to various professions and sectors, and fostering acceptance and equal opportunities will allow them to thrive. Engaging in dialogue, challenging stereotypes, and promoting empathy and acceptance are key to creating a diverse and inclusive society,” says Dr Prachi.
Dr Ruth says that if family or friends are unfamiliar with gender identity, introducing them to knowledgeable professionals who can explain the concept in an understandable way may be helpful in reassuring them that being transgender is not a choice, but rather a natural aspect of human diversity.
“Sharing success stories of other transgender individuals who have navigated their journeys can also aid in a transitioning transgender understanding and acceptance over time. Counselling can provide a valuable resource for both you and your mother. It offers a safe space for communication, addressing concerns, and correcting misconceptions. Remember, every individual’s journey is unique and it’s important to approach each situation with empathy and an open mind. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, we can create a more accepting and supportive society for everyone,” says Dr Ruth.
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