The recently released research study titled ‘Barriers to the Provision of and Access to Quality Healthcare for Transgender Population of Pakistan‘ by non-profit organisations Forum of Dignity Initiatives (FDI) and Blue Veins is perhaps the first of its kind. Although trans rights groups have expressed serious reservations over the population figure cited in the latest census, the exercise, nonetheless, recorded a 57 percent increase in the country’s trans population. The majority of this population is based in Punjab. The trans community faces discrimination in almost every area of life — be it access to education, jobs, public office, legal aid, or health care. The FDI and Blue Veins study identifies challenges of the trans-community when it comes to healthcare. Over 80 percent of those who responded said that they did not have access to healthcare facilities and that the fear of harassment prevented them from reaching out for professional help. Over 90 percent held that they faced discrimination, harassment, abuse, and even violence when they did reach out to such facilities. Because they are denied healthcare altogether, they resort to self-medication and treatment. One of the primary health issues trans people face is hormonal imbalance, which often also leads to emotional and mental strain. This untreated hormonal imbalance often leads to castration, cancer, mood disorders, and other complications. There is no help available for physical ailments, and there is a dire need for treatment of their mental health issues. The study emphasizes that there is a need for sensitive healthcare professionals who are aware of the specific health needs of the community. The study stresses that young medical professionals are interested in helping the community but are not trained and sensitised to do so. There is a need for more training in medical and nursing institutions. We hope that more studies of this kind will follow that can highlight the health needs of the trans people in even more detail. The provincial governments must become involved with the non-profits and develop policies to meet the community’s health needs. There is also a need for identifying the trans populations by provinces and districts and outlining their exact medical needs and deficiencies. The parliament and government should take note of the recommendations and devise a policy that can address the critical needs outlined. We must not allow this situation to continue. * Published in Daily Times, October 22nd 2018. 11Shares