Revolutionizing Healthcare For Transgender Persons in India: 2 National Schemes Making a Difference

These groundbreaking national schemes that are transforming healthcare for transgender individuals in India, paving the way for inclusivity and positive change.

Published on: 19 June, 2023

In recent years, India has witnessed a growing movement advocating for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals. Recognising the unique challenges faced by this marginalised community, efforts have been made to address the gaps in healthcare services and promote inclusivity within the healthcare system. With a focus on breaking barriers and ensuring equal access to healthcare, India is striving to create a more supportive and affirming environment for transgender persons.

Here are 2 important national schemes implemented to provide healthcare aid to transgender persons: :

1. Ayushman Bharat TG Plus

The primary goal of this scheme is to extend health insurance coverage to transgender individuals residing in India, to enhance their overall health status by facilitating appropriate medical interventions, such as sex reassignment surgeries and comprehensive medical support.

All transgender persons of any age/ social background, who are not enrolled in a similar scheme are eligible to apply
They should hold a Transgender Certificate and Identity Card issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
Each transgender person shall receive an insurance cover of ₹5 Lakh per year under the scheme.
The comprehensive package would cover all aspects of transition-related healthcare for transgender persons. It shall also (not exhaustive) provide coverage for hormone therapy, and sex reassignment surgery inclusive of postoperative formalities, which can be redeemed at all private and government healthcare facilities.
To apply, the applicant will be required to produce the registration ID/Transgender person’s certificate serial number from the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
The transgender beneficiary/applicant can visit the empanelled hospitals and get their details entered/verified on a real-time basis.
Transgender persons not having a transgender certificate issued by the National portal shall be redirected to the website to obtain the certificate so as to become eligible for the Ayushman Transgender health package. Register at the website here.
After the verification process of the transgender certificate, the eligible applicant will be issued the Ayushman Transgender Health card.
A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme, if
- They are already receiving such benefits from other centre/state-sponsored schemes.
- They are not Indian citizens.

Read more about Ayushman Bharat TG Plus, here.

2. Garima Greh

Garima Greh is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, for transgender persons. It recognises the importance of comprehensive medical care for transgender individuals and strives to ensure that their healthcare needs are met. In addition to providing a safe and inclusive shelter, the initiative emphasises the significance of accessing proper medical support for transgender individuals.

Transgenders who are abandoned, aged above 18 years and below 60 years and preferably living below the poverty line are eligible to apply for this scheme.

Within the premises of Garima Greh, efforts are made to facilitate access to healthcare services that are sensitive to the needs of transgender individuals. This may include establishing partnerships with healthcare providers who have expertise in transgender healthcare, organising regular health check-ups, and offering guidance on navigating the healthcare system.

Recognising that transgender individuals may require specialised medical interventions, Garima Greh advocates for access to gender-affirming treatments and procedures. This includes supporting individuals in accessing hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and other necessary medical interventions.

Garima Greh places a strong emphasis on mental health care and counselling services. Recognising the mental health challenges faced by transgender individuals due to societal stigma and discrimination, the initiative provides support and guidance to address these issues and promote overall well-being.

Currently there are 12 Garima Grehs in the country, details of which are provided in case of requirement. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment aims to have one such shelter home in every state for the welfare of transgender persons.

To apply, the applicant will be required to produce a Transgender Certificate issued through the National Portal for Transgender Persons. Persons having such certificates from elsewhere, may be persuaded to register on the National Portal.

The transgender person can visit the Garima Greh and register by filling the admission form and the personal affidavit.

The location of Garima Greh can be checked online here.

A transgender person is not eligible for this scheme if:
- They are engaged in sex work and beggary.
- They are already employed and engaged in productive commercial activities.

* Please note for the above schemes: The transgender certificate & identity card are nationally recognised and provided by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The certificate can be obtained from the district magistrate’s office or from the block office. If the transgender person has undergone a sex change, then they will have to get a certificate from the hospital authorities.

Read more about Garima Greh, here.

Here are 2 important national schemes implemented to provide healthcare aid to transgender persons: :

1. Ayushman Bharat TG Plus

All transgender persons of any age/ social background, who are not enrolled in a similar scheme are eligible to apply

They should hold a Transgender Certificate and Identity Card issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons.

Each transgender person shall receive an insurance cover of ₹5 Lakh per year under the scheme.

The comprehensive package would cover all aspects of transition-related healthcare for transgender persons. It shall also (not exhaustive) provide coverage for hormone therapy, and sex reassignment surgery inclusive of postoperative formalities, which can be redeemed at all private and government healthcare facilities.

To apply, the applicant will be required to produce the registration ID/Transgender person’s certificate serial number from the National Portal for Transgender Persons.

The transgender beneficiary/applicant can visit the empanelled hospitals and get their details entered/verified on a real-time basis.

Transgender persons not having a transgender certificate issued by the National portal shall be redirected to the website to obtain the certificate so as to become eligible for the Ayushman Transgender health package. Register at the website here.

After the verification process of the transgender certificate, the eligible applicant will be issued the Ayushman Transgender Health card.

A patient is not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme, if
- They are already receiving such benefits from other centre/state-sponsored schemes.
- They are not Indian citizens.

Read more about Ayushman Bharat TG Plus, here.

2. Garima Greh

Transgenders who are abandoned, aged above 18 years and below 60 years and preferably living below the poverty line are eligible to apply for this scheme.

Within the premises of Garima Greh, efforts are made to facilitate access to healthcare services that are sensitive to the needs of transgender individuals. This may include establishing partnerships with healthcare providers who have expertise in transgender healthcare, organising regular health check-ups, and offering guidance on navigating the healthcare system.

Recognising that transgender individuals may require specialised medical interventions, Garima Greh advocates for access to gender-affirming treatments and procedures. This includes supporting individuals in accessing hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and other necessary medical interventions.

Garima Greh places a strong emphasis on mental health care and counselling services. Recognising the mental health challenges faced by transgender individuals due to societal stigma and discrimination, the initiative provides support and guidance to address these issues and promote overall well-being.

Currently there are 12 Garima Grehs in the country, details of which are provided in case of requirement. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment aims to have one such shelter home in every state for the welfare of transgender persons.

To apply, the applicant will be required to produce a Transgender Certificate issued through the National Portal for Transgender Persons. Persons having such certificates from elsewhere, may be persuaded to register on the National Portal.

The transgender person can visit the Garima Greh and register by filling the admission form and the personal affidavit.

The location of Garima Greh can be checked online here.

A transgender person is not eligible for this scheme if:
- They are engaged in sex work and beggary.
- They are already employed and engaged in productive commercial activities.

Read more about Garima Greh, here.

If you find that you are not eligible to benefit from any of the above mentioned schemes, medical crowdfunding is also an option that is available to you. In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.

Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand. Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.

For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.

Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.

Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.

For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.

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