HEALTH-CUBA: Free Sex Change Operations Approved
By Dalia Acosta
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42693HAVANA, Jun 6 (IPS) - New horizons opened up for transsexuals in Cuba with the approval of a Public Health Ministry resolution that establishes guidelines for their health care, including free gender reassignment operations.
"It was just approved. The operations will begin to be carried out as soon as the Cuban medical team is ready to start," Mariela Castro, head of the National Centre for Sex Education (CENESEX), told IPS.
Since 2004, Castro, President Raúl Castro's daughter, has been the driving force in the effort to achieve integral health care for transsexuals in Cuba.
With the support of international experts, a team of Cuban specialists has been preparing for months to carry out sex change surgery, said Castro, who added that the operations may begin this year.
