Three medical clinics providing healthcare to transgender individuals in India have ceased operations following the suspension of foreign aid from the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Mitr Clinics, launched in 2021 in Hyderabad, Thane, and Pune, played a crucial role in offering HIV treatment, counselling, and support services to thousands within the transgender community.
The clinics relied on funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which was established in 2003 during President George W. Bush’s tenure.
The initiative was implemented in collaboration with USAID, Johns Hopkins University, and the Indian government.
However, after Trump signed an executive order in January pausing all foreign aid for 90 days as part of a broader review, funding for these clinics was cut off, leading to their closure.
Trump has emphasised aligning international spending with his “America First” policy, leading to a significant reduction in USAID’s global humanitarian programs, particularly in developing nations.
The shutdown has left thousands in the transgender community without essential healthcare access.
A staff member from the Hyderabad clinic, speaking anonymously, revealed that the three clinics served around 6,000 patients, with up to 8% receiving HIV treatment.
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The Hyderabad facility alone treated 150 to 200 transgender individuals monthly.
Rachana Mudraboyina, a trans woman who oversaw operations at one of the clinics, explained that the facility was receiving approximately 250,000 rupees ($2,900) per month to sustain its services.
Many patients had never accessed healthcare before, highlighting the critical role the clinics played in their lives.
The transgender community has expressed deep disappointment over the closures.
Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli, a transgender activist, described the shutdown as devastating, noting that the clinics provided affordable and inclusive healthcare, unlike general hospitals where discrimination is common.
Trump’s decision to freeze foreign aid has drawn criticism from various quarters. Bubberjung Venkatesh, a lawyer, emphasised that USAID had made substantial contributions to global health and education, and its withdrawal would significantly impact vulnerable communities.
Additionally, the Trump administration recently announced plans to eliminate over 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts, further reducing the chances of projects like the Mitr Clinics being revived.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who holds a position in the Trump administration overseeing budget cuts, supported the decision, questioning the use of American tax dollars for transgender healthcare programs abroad.
Despite these setbacks, clinic staff remain hopeful that alternative funding sources or government support will enable them to continue their services.
Mudraboyina emphasised that beyond medical care, the clinics served as vital community hubs where individuals could share information on government schemes and health resources.
“We are actively seeking donors to keep these services alive,” she said.
