India's First Transgender Clinics Shut Down After USAID Fund Freeze

Image credits: The Tribune Trust

India's first three clinics for the transgender community in Hyderabad were shut down last month after the Donald Trump administration froze funds for foreign aid projects under the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The stop-work order from the USAID has disrupted services for nearly 5,000 people, who were receiving essential services including guidance and medication on hormone therapy, counselling on mental health as well as on HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and legal aid, in addition to general medical care. The Mitr clinics, which were run mostly by doctors, counsellors, and other workers from the transgender community, provided a wide range of services in a "stigma-free" environment.

The closure of the clinics has sparked concerns among the transgender community, with many expressing the need for the Indian government to step in and provide support. The clinics, which were launched in 2021 as part of a USAID-supported programme, were catering to nearly 5,000 registered transgender clients across the country. The programme was implemented by Johns Hopkins University and was aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare services to the transgender community. The transgender community in India is facing a major setback following the closure of the clinics, which were crucial for providing life-saving services, including antiretroviral medication to HIV-infected people.

A waiver was issued for humanitarian programmes, allowing the clinics to continue providing certain life-saving activities, including antiretroviral medication to HIV-infected people. However, the impact of the freeze has resulted in the closure of the Mitr Clinics in India, which were crucial for the transgender community. The organisers of the clinics are looking for alternate sources of funding, public or private, to continue providing services to the community. The Indian government has been urged to take steps to support the transgender community, with many advocating for the need to create an ecosystem that provides life-saving services to transgender individuals.

The closure of the clinics has also highlighted the need for India to become self-sufficient in providing healthcare services to the transgender community. The Indian government's "sab ka saath, sab ka vikas" policy, which aims to promote inclusive growth and development, has been cited as a reason for the government to step in and support the transgender community. The need for "atma nirbharta" in transgender healthcare has been emphasized, with many calling for the government to take steps to scale up the model of clinical care for the transgender community. Some of the key services that were provided by the clinics include: * General health care * Hormone therapy guidance * Mental health counselling * Treatment for HIV * Legal aid and social protection services * Antiretroviral medication to HIV-infected people

The transgender community in India is estimated to be around 4.87 lakh, according to the 2011 Census. The community faces significant challenges, including social stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare services. The closure of the Mitr Clinics has exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the need for urgent action to be taken to support the community. The Indian government has been urged to take steps to address the needs of the transgender community, including providing funding and support for healthcare services. The international community has also been called upon to support the transgender community in India, with many advocating for the need to promote inclusive and equitable development.