In what can be described as a landmark initiative in the sphere of inclusivity, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s National Health Authority and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide a comprehensive health package for transgenders.

The package which will be rolled out in September is an inclusive and composite one and provided under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, one of the world’s largest health insurance schemes.

Under the package, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will fund Rs.5 lakh insurance cover per transgender beneficiary per annum. This comprehensive package will include the existing PMJAY packages and also specific packages concerning sex reassignment surgery and treatment for transgenders.

Describing the initiative as “wonderful” and “fantastic”, Anjali Gopalan, Founder and Executive Director of Naz Foundation told India Narrative that “it is a step in the right direction considering that access to healthcare is difficult and expensive.”

She added: “Sex reassignment procedure is costly and any financial help is welcome for the members of the community.”

With this scheme, trans people can avail of treatment in any of the PMJAY empanelled hospitals across the country, where specific packages are available. It will cover all members of the community who are not receiving such benefits from other Centre or State sponsored schemes.

Under this scheme, members of transgender community who are holding a valid certificate issued by the National Portal for Transgender Persons across India can avail of all healthcare benefits.

The MoU was signed by Dr. R S Sharma, NHA CEO and R. Subramanyam, Secretary DoSJE. Others present included Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.