Ernakulam General Hospital Launches Queer-Friendly Clinic for Transgender Community

Kochi, Kerala, 29 September, 2025 – Authorities at Ernakulam General Hospital have launched a queer-friendly clinic, offering specialized services including discounted laser treatments for the transgender community. Health Minister Veena George inaugurated the facility, which aims to enhance healthcare accessibility in a district with a high transgender population density.

The clinic provides laser treatments at ₹500 per session, half the standard ₹1,000 rate. Officials plan to reduce this further to ₹250. Dr. Shahirsha, the hospital superintendent, announced dedicated counters, special queue systems, and future additions like plastic surgery and hormone therapy. Counselling services are already available.

Beyond the queer-friendly clinic, the hospital introduced several upgrades. A modern mortuary complex now features an additional freezer chamber, expanding capacity from 12 to 18 bodies. The cubicle-styled freezer replaces the old traditional setup and includes a waiting area for relatives, reception, drinking water facilities, and a garden. Renovations cost ₹70 lakh from MLA funds.

A new stroke ICU, established at ₹10 lakh from plan funds, enhances emergency care. The renovated cath lab supports advanced cardiac procedures. The hospital also runs the ‘Sruthitharangam’ scheme, providing cochlear implant surgeries for children with hearing impairments.

Kerala’s government has prioritized transgender healthcare through various programs. Several government hospitals, including those in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, have established transgender-specific clinics.

These facilities provide hormone therapy, mental health support, and gender-affirming care. For instance, the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram runs a dedicated transgender clinic offering free consultations and subsidized treatments.

Kerala also supports gender-affirming surgeries through state-funded schemes. The Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) program, launched in 2016, covers costs for eligible transgender individuals.

Hospitals like Kottayam Medical College and Trivandrum Medical College perform these surgeries, with over 100 procedures completed by 2023, according to government data. Pre- and post-operative counselling ensures holistic care.

Gender affirmation surgeries help individuals align their bodies with their gender identity through procedures such as chest surgery, genital reconstruction, and facial modification. These surgeries are often combined with hormone therapy and counseling, ensuring holistic support and improved quality of life for transgender and non-binary people. ¹

Health Minister Veena George officially opened these projects recently. The queer-friendly clinic's setup cost ₹13 lakh. These developments address community needs, particularly for marginalized groups, by integrating inclusive healthcare options.

Dr. Shahirsha emphasized the clinic's role in making services convenient. The transgender community's high presence in Ernakulam drives these initiatives, ensuring equitable access without barriers.

• Sabrang Clinic (formerly Mitr) - Telangana

• Maitri Trans Clinics - Telangana

• Transgender OPD, RML Hospital - Delhi

• Transgender Clinical Care Unit, SGPGIMS - Uttar Pradesh

• Karishma Transgender Clinic - Maharashtra

• SAHYOG Clinic, Humsafar Trust - Maharashtra

• Transgender Clinic, Govt Medical College - Kerala

• VJ's Transgender Clinic - Andhra Pradesh

• Gender Change Unit, Apollo Gleneagles - West Bengal

• Amish Hospital - Gujarat

Reference:

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Gender Affirmation Surgeries.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gender-affirmation-surgeries.

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)