Barriers And Challenges Faced by Transgender (Hijra) With Special References to The City of Agartala (India): A Study with A Special Focus on Right to Health

Abstract

The right to health is a fundamental human right that belongs to every person, irrespective of gender identity. Health is not just limited to the absence of illness; it includes physical, mental, and social well-being. It also involves access to affordable healthcare services, reliable medical information, and treatment in an environment free from stigma and discrimination. The present study examines the barriers and challenges faced by transgender persons in accessing healthcare services in the city of Agartala. It also analyses the existing legal measures and explores whether these protections are effectively implemented in practice. The study adopted a mixed-method approach combining doctrinal and Empirical research. The doctrinal part examines relevant laws and Acts relating to transgender rights and healthcare. The empirical part is based on interviews with 15 transgender (Hijra) respondents in Agartala. Case studies were also used to understand their personal experiences and the difficulties they face while accessing healthcare services. The findings show that 80% of participants reported experiencing denial of treatment, highlighting a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services. About 66% of participants reported seeking healthcare from pharmacies rather than hospitals due to discrimination, and discomfort in formal healthcare settings. Around 60% of participants reported limited awareness of their healthcare rights, while none of the participants (0%) reported receiving benefits from government-funded healthcare schemes, indicating limited access to such services. A clear gap exists between legal guarantees and ground realities. Social stigma, discriminations and lack of awareness continue to limit meaningful access to services. The findings suggest that legal protection alone is not sufficient unless it is properly implemented. The study highlights the need for effective implementation of existing legal protections, greater awareness of healthcare rights, and more sensitive and inclusive healthcare practices to improve access to healthcare services for transgender persons.