New policy in K-P makes healthcare more accessible for transgender, intersex patients

Key measures include establishment of separate registration counters, wards, and washrooms

In a historic move towards more inclusive healthcare, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has unveiled the Protection and Welfare Policy for Transgender and Intersex Persons 2025, setting the stage for major reforms across the province's public health system.

This policy marks a significant step forward in ensuring that transgender and intersex individuals receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve.

The newly launched policy, approved and circulated by the Health Sector Reform Unit (HSRU), emphasises creating a healthcare environment where every individual is treated fairly, without discrimination.

It is now in effect, and all health-related officials in K-P, including District Health Officers and Medical Superintendents of DHQ Hospitals, are expected to follow the guidelines set forth.

The policy introduces several key provisions that aim to make healthcare more accessible and respectful for transgender and intersex individuals. Separate registration counters, wards, and washrooms are among the first changes that will be implemented across health facilities.

These changes are designed to give people privacy and comfort during their visits to hospitals and clinics, addressing long-standing issues faced by this community.

Perhaps most importantly, the policy ensures non-discriminatory service charges, meaning transgender and intersex individuals will no longer face additional financial burdens when seeking healthcare.

It also highlights the need for respectful treatment of all patients, urging healthcare providers to treat every person with dignity.

In addition to these structural changes, the policy requires regular compliance reports to be submitted, allowing health officials to monitor progress and make necessary improvements.

Health Secretary Shahidullah Khan called the policy a “progressive shift” in the province's approach to healthcare, aligning K-P with broader human rights commitments. His vision is clear: to eliminate systemic discrimination and ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to access to quality healthcare services.