SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Hosts National TOT on Transgender Care to Promote Inclusive Healthcare
SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM College of Nursing, Division of Medical Research, and Central University of Tamilnadu, organised the National-level Multidisciplinary Training of Trainers (TOT) on Transgender Care at SRM MCH & RC on June 17, 2025. Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the two-day programme aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge, clinical skills, and empathetic approaches required to deliver respectful and gender-affirming care to transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
The inaugural session featured distinguished dignitaries and professionals from various fields, including:
- Dr.M.Kalavalli, Organizing Co-Secretary, Dept of Mental Health Nursing, SRM College of Nursing
- Dr.SangeethaRaja, Organizing Secretary, Dept of Pharmacology, SRM MCH&RC
- Venkatraman, Medical Superintendent, SRM MCH & RC
- Helen Shaji J.C, Dean, SRM College of Nursing and Organising Co-Chairperson, SRMIST
- Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice Chancellor (In-Charge), SRM MCH & RC and Organising Chairperson
- Venkatesan Chakrapani, Chairperson, Centre for Sexuality & Health Research and Policy, Chennai
- Uma A.N, Principal, Allied Health Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
- Dinesh K.R, Associate Professor & HOD, Department of Plastic Surgery, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College & Research Institute, Chengalpattu
The programme was inaugurated with an impactful address by Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani, Chairperson of the Centre for Sexuality & Health Research and Policy, Chennai, who remarked,
“Inclusive healthcare requires empathy, knowledge, and dedicated training to ensure dignity for all individuals.”
Dr. Helen Shaji J.C, Dean of SRM College of Nursing, welcomed the participants and emphasized the transformative nature of the training:
“This was not just about training. It was about shaping systems that support and serve every individual with dignity.”
Presiding over the event, Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) and Dean, SRM MCH & RC, underlined the significance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in healthcare education:
“This initiative represents an academic commitment to social responsibility. We are laying the foundation for meaningful change.”
The training covered critical topics including gender diversity, hormone therapy, gender-affirmation surgeries, legal and policy frameworks, hospital practices, and mental health care. Participants engaged in academic discussions, clinical training, and institutional planning to improve transgender-inclusive healthcare systems.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Lt Col A. Ravi Kumar, Advisor, SRM MCH & RC, noted:
“This training bridged the gap between science, service, and policy. It aimed to influence clinical decisions and institutional practices.”
The programme also featured expert sessions on inclusive hospital practices, identity and culture, reproductive health, and nursing approaches tailored for the LGBTIQ+ community.
The second day will include sessions led by prominent transgender professionals including Dr. Aqsa Shaikh, Ms. Rakshika Raj—India’s first transgender nurse—and Dr. K. Sheethal, offering insights from lived experiences and professional practice.
The inaugural concluded with participants gaining valuable insights to promote inclusive and compassionate healthcare delivery across settings.
