The Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) has launched exclusive transgender clinics on its off-site campuses in Thiruporur near Chennai. The clinics were opened at the SBV constituent units of Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute (SSSMCRI) and Shri Sathya Sai College of Nursing (SSSCON) in Thiruporur.
Dedicating the facility to the community, S.C. Parija, SBV Vice-Chancellor said there were plans to offer, amongst other services to the third gender, the option for undergoing gender reassignment surgeries akin to the services offered at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute on the main campus.
The transgender clinic is one of its kind in Greater Chennai which epitomizes a commitment to promoting salutogenesis or wellness among the third gender, Dr. Parija said. SBV had in 2016 constituted a Gender Care Committee “to provide standard care including the gender affirmative care”.
The committee comprises a multidisciplinary team, which included mental health professionals, surgeons, geneticists, nurses, obstetricians, and dermatologists besides two representatives from the transgender community employed at the SBV. On the academic side, the Vidyapeeth had initiated a transgender-inclusive nursing curriculum at its constituent Kasturba Gandhi Nursing College. Udit Das, Dean, SSSMCRI, Sunderarajan, Medical Superintendent, the heads of various departments of SSSMCRI, faculty, and students participated in the launch function.
