- Trans activists Princess Rai, Hina Baloch had filed a petition in the court last week.
- The SHC strictly directed the hospital to start treatment immediately.
- Hanna called the court ruling a “victory” for the right to access, health care.
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday ordered the civil hospital administration to start immediate treatment of HIV/AIDS transgender patients.
The court heard the hospital’s denial of treatment to transgender activists after advocate Sara Malkani filed a plea last week on behalf of transgender activists Shahzad Rai and Hina Baloch, alleging negligence towards transgender women. After that, the court issued an injunction.
The two transgender rights activists highlighted in their petition that the hospital administration discriminates against HIV/AIDS patients, including transgenders, by denying them treatment, thereby violating their basic human rights. and are thrown away without proper care.
Therefore, the court has strictly directed the hospital management to immediately start treatment of all patients of the disease, including transgenders, strictly following the prescribed protocol without any discrimination.
The court has also sought an implementation report from the Provincial Health Secretary on this matter after the summer vacation.
Talking to Thenews.com.pk, Baloch said that this issue has been going on with HIV/AIDS transgenders for the past two years. “There were about six eunuchs who were HIV positive out of which four patients were in critical condition.”
He added that while medicines for the disease are available in all hospitals, the problem arises when any type of accident leads to surgical intervention after which the hospitals do not cooperate with the transpersons.
“Being transgender in this country is already difficult, but the stigma surrounding the disease adds another layer of oppression, which is why they [hospital staff] Don’t think it’s fair to treat a transgender,” Baloch said.
The trans rights activist, herself a transwoman, said that apart from herself and Roy, three petitioners were also trans and faced challenges due to discrimination related to health issues.
“One has to undergo hip replacement surgery. Another has to have a leg operation, while another transperson needs attention for a hernia and dialysis. All of these procedures require some form of surgical intervention. There is a need, but the hospital was not cooperating,” he added.
Baloch also highlighted the case of a late transperson Chanda, who went from pillar to post at least four to five times to different departments of the civil hospital to get treatment for an injury sustained after being hit by a vehicle.
“They were not bandaging the wound. People from our community took care of him as best they could. We even contacted the hospital, after which they checked him up and then sent him for treatment. asked to do,” he said.
Baloch said that Chanda was HIV positive and doctors would face discrimination if they found out her medical history.
“We will inform the medical practitioner that she is an HIV-positive patient so that they can ensure precautions during treatment. They will not treat after knowing the HIV status. Civil Hospital staff knew, but they were deliberately not treating it.”
Chanda eventually succumbed to her injuries. “It was criminal negligence,” Bloch said.
The worker said he and Roy filed the application last week. “I attended the hearing today with Sara Malkani and our friend who took care of the deceased. We told the court that there are three more eunuchs who need urgent medical and surgical assistance,” he said. “
Baloch added that the judges listened to him and warned the hospital administration to ensure immediate treatment of the patients, who will visit the hospital tomorrow.
“In difficult times like these, access and right to health care is our victory. It’s hard work, it’s a struggle, and it’s a global issue. This issue was raised in America in the 1980s, but now it’s coming to the fore in our country. Has come. The world. It’s still evolving and it was a historic decision,” he added.
Meanwhile, Civil Hospital Additional Superintendent Dr Harish Kumar said that the medical facility has appointed a focal person to ask transpersons to contact the hospital today. He said that we are ready for treatment.
He further refuted claims of discrimination, saying that transpersons may have some misunderstandings.
“Never thought about prejudice. Before treatment for an HIV-AIDS patient, there is a screening phase,” he added.
Meanwhile, the provincial high court asked the trans patients to approach the focal person today, and ordered that their treatment process be ensured by him.
The court order said that there should be no discrimination against transgenders.