Lok Sabha Question No. 1987 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-02
Subject: Transgender Beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Km. Sudha R

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1987 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02 ND AUGUST, 2024

## TRANSGENDER BENEFICIARIES UNDER AYUSHMAN BHARAT

## 1987. KM. SUDHAR:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure the accuracy/regular updation of data on transgender beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in TamilNadu;
- (b) the details of the specific outreach strategies and collaborations with NGOs and community organizations being implemented in Tamil Nadu to enhance the reach of the programme to the transgender community, particularly in underserved areas;
- (c) the details of the training and sensitization programs in place for healthcare providers to ensure respectful and competent care for transgender patients along with the impact of these programs; and
- (d) the details of the mechanisms in place for transgender beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu to provide feedback on their experiences and report grievances related to their healthcare under theAyushman Bharat scheme and improving the said program in the State?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a): The transgenders registered and duly authorised by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department of Tamil Nadu are eligible for the converged scheme of Government of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme and AB-PMJAY scheme. The essential documents like ration cards and income certificates are not required for those approved by the Social Welfare Department. This measure aims to include poor and needy transgenders, with Aadhaar being the only required document to prevent duplicate enrolments.

(b) & (c): Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, through National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), an autonomous body under the Department and in collaboration with various stakeholders has in FY 2023 -2024 conducted eleven (11) Programs for Capacity building of the stakeholders and sensitization about The Transgenders Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and Rules for the State of Tamil Nadu benefiting about 330 participants. Multispecialty transgender clinics have been established at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai and Rajaji Hospitals in Madurai. Additionally, IEC materials regarding these initiatives have been displayed in the hospital campuses. Further, regular camps for transgender individuals are conducted to raise awareness and encourage enrolment.

For the year 2024-25, 23 programs have been sanctioned to non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), community based organizations (CBOs), colleges and universities to conduct one day, two day and three-day training programmes on awareness and sensitization, capacity building and training for trainers (TOT) about The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 and Rules 2020. For wider outreach, NISD collaborates with various organizations across the country to conduct these programs.

(d): Beneficiaries, including transgender individuals, can address their grievances through the following means:

-  Toll-free number (1800 425 3993) is displayed at all empanelled hospitals.
-  Toll-free 104 Health Helpline.
-  Reach out to the District Grievance Redressal Committee.
-  Communicate directly to State Health Agency, Tamil Nadu.

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