Kolkata: HCG EKO Cancer Centre Kolkata extended its services to the transgender community in West Bengal by launching ‘HCG Pride and Privilege Card’ in Kolkata on the occasion of National Transgenders Day.
The card aims to address the lack of accessibility to healthcare faced by the transgender community, one of the most discriminated communities in the country.
The privilege card comes with a host of benefits, including a screening package, treatment package, and an array of offers and discounts for the transgender community, encouraging them to get themselves screened, stay ahead of cancer, and seek treatment if needed.
The card was first launched in Jharkhand, and the aim is to further extend this card to the PAN India network so that the whole transgender community of India can benefit at large.
Speaking about the initiative, Prateek Jain, Regional Business Head of Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd-East & AP said, “As a pioneer in the field of cancer care, we recognize that the transgender community faces unique healthcare challenges and often experiences discrimination and stigma. To address these barriers and ensure that all patients receive the best possible care, we have extended our cancer care services to the transgender community in West Bengal.”
Prateek Jain said, “Today we are proud to introduce the HCG Pride & Privilege card, which aims to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility faced by the transgender community. Our goal is to extend this initiative to the entire country so that every transgender person in India can benefit.”
Dr. Amarjeet Singh, Chief Operating Officer, HCG EKO Cancer Centre said, “We understand that the transgender community faces unique health challenges due to their genetic makeup and lifestyle, which can increase the risk of developing genetic disorders, including cancer. Unfortunately, they have been deprived of basic healthcare rights and are not treated with the respect they deserve.”
Dr. Amarjeet Singh said, “At HCG, we are committed to raising awareness and providing the necessary healthcare services to this community. We believe that every person has the right to quality healthcare, and we hope that our initiative will encourage the transgender community to come forward and receive the care they deserve.”
West Bengal has about 60,000 transgenders who face intense discrimination and stigma and struggle for their basic rights like education, livelihood, and healthcare. While there are no separate clinics and hospitals for them, and they are not treated equally to others.
HCG’s move is a step towards ensuring that the transgender community has access to quality healthcare services and is treated with dignity and respect. HCG also felicitated the transgender community for contributing to society widely by running NGOs and uplifting the whole community.
