Abstract
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, was introduced in India to safeguard the rights and dignity of transgender individuals in healthcare, education and employment. While the Act marks an important legislative milestone, its implementation has revealed limitations, particularly in healthcare. A key concern is the limited provision of gender-affirming care, which remains fragmented across regions. This review article synthesises academic literature from the past decade, including peer-reviewed articles, policy documents and empirical studies, with a focus on research published after the 2019 legislation. The review identifies barriers hindering equitable healthcare access for transgender individuals, including a shortage of trained medical professionals who can provide competent care, insufficient healthcare infrastructure for specialised treatments, and the absence of standardised clinical guidelines for gender-affirming procedures. The analysis highlights regional disparities, with urban centres offering better services compared to rural and semi-urban areas, where healthcare resources remain scarce. By examining these gaps, the article argues for strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing professional training and ensuring consistent healthcare delivery. It also suggests future pathways for research and reform aimed at building an inclusive healthcare system that upholds the rights promised under the Act.
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