LGBTIQ Community Protest ‘Unnecessary Obstacles’ Leaving Transgender Patients In Limbo For Years
The Gender Wellbeing Clinic’s psychiatrist resigned in July 2023, and since then, new patients have been left without the crucial healthcare promised to them by the government.
Over the weekend the Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM), staged a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Health calling for authorities to take action on this “critical” and prolonged issue.
A press release issued by the organisation included two personal stories of trans individuals who have been negatively impacted by this disappointment.
Charlie was referred to the Gender Wellbeing Clinic in early 2020; they began hormone therapy by the end of that year and was hoping to get on the waiting list for top surgery. When Charlie was finally scheduled to discuss top surgery with the psychiatrist – a necessary part of the procedure – the professional resigned.
Charlie is still waiting, with no updates except “wait for a new psychiatrist”.
“After four years of waiting, Charlie’s hope is fading, and they wonder how much longer they’ll be denied the care they were promised.”
Maria, a transgender woman, came out to her parents at 12 years old but her identity was dismissed by her daily. She sought support from school counselors for years, hoping someone would help her start her transition.
In 2023, at 18, Maria finally got a referral to the Gender Wellbeing Clinic, bringing her a sense of relief. But just as her referral was sent, the clinic’s psychiatrist resigned, and she has been waiting ever since for her first appointment. Maria cannot afford private care and continues to be left behind so these delays feel discriminatory.
In April 2024, the Health Ministry issued a call for a professional replacement, however, no eligible candidates were identified, “leaving patients without access to crucial healthcare services”. This includes individuals awaiting top surgeries that were promised by the government in 2022.
“No more delays, no more excuses. It’s time for the government to act,” MGRM in tandem with other NGOs urged to Health Minister Jo-Etienne Abela.
Delaying the provision of healthcare is a dereliction of duty by the government towards providing healthcare in a reasonable timeframe, and towards social justice and equality for all members of society.
Back in January, Lovin Malta sent questions to the Health Ministry in light of this issue. When asked about the plans to replace the integral psychiatrist, the authorities said:
“A new psychology assistant was recruited towards the end of the year whilst the recruitment process for the psychiatrist to form part of this team is underway and is progressing well.”
If you’ve been affected by these delays, reach out to Rainbow Support Service at 79430006 or via Facebook or Instagram for assistance and support.
Have you been affected by this lack of professionals at the Gender Wellbeing Clinic?
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