SHC gives Sindh govt 3 weeks to respond to trans activists’ plea

Petition challenges Civil Hospital's denial of HIV treatment for trans people

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has given three weeks to the Sindh government to respond to a plea filed by transgender activists against not providing treatment to HIV positive trans people at the Civil Hospital.

The civil hospital administration has submitted its response to the court clarifying that treatment to the affected transgender individuals has already started in accordance with the court orders. The court mentioned that the response from the Sindh government regarding legislation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) has been sought. The public prosecutor, on behalf of the Sindh government, requested additional time for the response. The court granted the Sindh government three weeks to reply.

Furthermore, the court emphasised that transgender people should not be subjected to discrimination.

The plea was filed by trans activists Shehzadi Rai and Hina Baloch through Sara Malkani Advocate. In the plea they took stance that three transgender individuals, Monica, Nikoweri, and My John are living with HIV/AIDS and need medical treatment on urgent basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2023.