Unlike previous research that mainly looked at specific health services, this study explored the experiences of various transgender identities in getting general healthcare.
The researchers have shed light on the systemic and societal barriers exacerbating health disparities within the community. They interviewed 63 transgender people across India.
“Access to correct, caring, and compassionate healthcare is everyone’s right. Unfortunately, this can mean navigating a system that excludes them,” Dr Aqsa Shaikh, lead researcher, said.
The study said that almost all participants shared at least one negative experience. While some were related to the health system, others were with individual healthcare providers.
“Many doctors wonder why they do not see transgender patients. Now we know and we must urgently reform medical education to fix it,” Dr Harikeerthan Raghuram, said.