Transgenders upset over sex change delays
By C P Sajit, TNN | Dec 2, 2012, 03.02 AM ISThttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Transgenders-upset-over-sex-change-delays/articleshow/17446674.cmsCOIMBATORE: The transgender community in western Tamil Nadu is upset with the inordinate delay in getting sex reassignment surgeries done at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). In Coimbatore district alone, there are more than 350 transgenders who are awaiting their turn for free sex change surgery at the hospital. Since such a surgery cost more than a lakh rupee in private hospitals, poor and socially discriminated transgender people have no option but to wait for their turn for free surgery at CMCH.
"The hospital had created headlines three months ago by conducting its first sex reassignment surgery on a transgender.... Since then, no such surgery was conducted at the hospital though a number of transgenders approach doctors on a daily basis. But doctors are avoiding us by citing one reason or another,'' B Janagi, secretary of city-based Amuhta Surabhi Transgenders Welfare Society, alleged.
According to her, doctors are purposefully delaying the process in spite of a government order directing them to conduct the sex change surgeries free of cost. Because of the delay, many are looking for other options and landing at the trap of quacks who offer removal of male reproductive organ at cheaper rates.
Dr P Sivaprakasam, resident medical officer at CMCH, refuted the allegation that the hospital was delaying the surgeries.
