CM orders separate room for transgender at DHQ hospitals

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed the authorities concerned to reserve a separate room for the treatment of transgender community at District Headquarter (DHQ) hospitals across the province.

The decision came in the wake of suggestion by K-P Governor Haji Ghulam Ali where he called for provision of better medical facilities to transgender persons.

Both the K-P chief minister and governor held a meeting on Sunday night. Peshawar Mayor Haji Zubair Ali was also in attendance.

During the huddle, Ali and Gandapur discussed various problems faced by the transgender people of the province, and took several decisions.

Gandapur issued instructions to the provincial health department to reserve a separate room at DHQ hospitals for the transgender community, ensuring the provision of appropriate treatment facilities for them.

The governor apprised the chief minister of the challenges facing the transgender community in the burial of their dead as they were often denied the opportunity to perform the last rites in graveyards.

Gandapur agreed to allocate land for a separate graveyard for the transgender community, with a notification on this matter expected to be issued shortly.

The chief minister also held out assurance of inviting the transgender community to the CM House for a meeting with him.

The governor met 300 transgender persons from Peshawar on Sunday, extending special invitations for them to visit the Governor House. They were given the opportunity to share their problems and receive Ramazan food packages. The transgender community was excited to have the opportunity to socialise and take selfies with the governor.

Meanwhile, transgender community members Farzana, Sobia Khan and Arzu on Monday thanked the governor and chief minister for paying heed to their concerns.

In a joint statement, they stated that their issues were promptly addressed.

Expressing their gratitude, they noted that it was the first time in the country's 76-year history that they were invited to the Governor House. They also highlighted that they not only received Ramazan package but also received recognition.

Earlier, we were not even allowed to pass in front of the Governor House, but Governor Haji Ghulam Ali has proved that he is a people's man who not only honoured us but also encouraged us, the statement read.

The statement further commended the Peshawar mayor, highlighting that the entire transgender community took pride in his steadfast advocacy for transgender rights.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2024.