The Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) has made sensitisation on transgender health and LGBTQIA+ issues mandatory for all doctors, medical educators, and students in the state.
As per a circular issued, all Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes must now include sessions on inclusive healthcare. These may be conducted as standalone programmes or integrated into existing academic schedules. Institutions are required to submit compliance reports within 30 days, and the council will monitor adherence by verifying records.
The training modules will focus on best practices in medical education and clinical care, with contributions from community members sharing lived experiences. The registrar noted that such sensitisation is intended to ensure equitable healthcare delivery while reinforcing medical professionals’ ethical and legal responsibilities.
The circular also reiterated that coercive interventions such as “conversion therapy” are prohibited. TNMC stated that any attempt to alter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity will be treated as professional misconduct, and disciplinary action will be taken in line with existing rules. This directive follows the Madras High Court’s 2022 order calling for strict action against such practices.
The move is part of the State Policy for Transgender Persons, unveiled in July by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, which outlines measures such as scholarships for transgender and intersex students, appointment of nodal counsellors, establishment of short-stay homes, and a toll-free helpline.
By introducing mandatory sensitisation, TNMC has emphasised the role of healthcare professionals in providing inclusive and non-discriminatory medical services.
