Rajasthan HC Raises Concern over State Govt’s Laxity in Providing Separate Wards for Transgenders
Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court (HC) has expressed serious concerns over the lack of separate wards and facilities for transgender individuals in government hospitals and care centres across the state.
During a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Sambhali Trust, the court scheduled the matter for final disposal on November 14.
Sambhali Trust which advocates for the rights of the Transgender community, is represented by the counsel Shivani Singh. During the court hearing, Singh argued that the current healthcare infrastructure in Rajasthan fails to provide essential welfare facilities to the transgender communities. The division bench, comprising justices Shree Chandrashekhar and Madan Gopal Vyas, heard this argument.
In her argument she also highlighted the discrimination present in hospitals, noting that they provide wards and amenities only for men and women, leaving transgender individuals without access to inclusive medical infrastructure. She further emphasized that the lack of such infrastructure only exacerbates the challenges faced by the transgender community.
The transgender community often faces unique societal perceptions and stigma. Singh pointed out that this discrimination within healthcare settings makes it difficult for them to access adequate care in a supportive environment. Noting this, She emphasized the need for dedicated facilities for transgender individuals.
The bench observed that under Section 15 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, healthcare in hospitals and health institutions is a legal right for transgender individuals to access.
However, Singh argued that these provisions are not fully implemented in Rajasthan. She pointed out that while other states like Maharashtra have already made strides in this direction by establishing dedicated hospital wards for transgender people, Rajasthan has yet to take such steps.
