West Bengal to teach its hospitals how to be more sensitive towards vulnerable communities

West Bengal will hold a series of workshops in December where healthcare professionals in public hospitals across the state will be taught how to become more gender sensitive and show greater sensitivity to vulnerable populations such as LGBT individuals and trauma survivors.

According to organizers, collaboration with psychiatric social workers and State health agencies makes the program one of the first structured, hospital-based, multi-stakeholder initiatives of its kind in the State.

The workshops will be held on December 5, 17 and 23 at Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkata and are organized by the Department of Psychiatric Social Work (SSKM Hospital) and the Institute of Children in Need in collaboration with the Institute of Health and Family Welfare.

“Health settings are often the first place people turn when they encounter discrimination, violence or distress related to gender identity. However, there is a need for awareness, increased sensitivity and readiness to respond. This gap affects both physical care and mental health. The program was created to address these gaps,” said Mayank Kumar, head of the hospital’s Department of Psychiatric Social Work.

“Recent community feedback and field experiences have highlighted the urgent need for trained healthcare professionals who understand gender diversity, can recognize signs of distress or trauma, and respond in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. The aim is to empower professionals so that vulnerable groups visiting hospitals and healthcare centers can feel emotionally safe,” Mr Kumar said.

He added that the aim behind the series of runs was to send the message that inclusion is not just a policy idea, but something people will feel when they enter the hospital. “Educational programs like this create a ripple effect. When a hospital team becomes more aware and confident, the entire environment becomes safer, calmer, and more hospitable to patients who already carry a heavy emotional burden,” he said.

Sessions will focus on clarifying concepts of gender and their connection to mental health and wellbeing; understanding the needs and challenges gender diverse individuals face in clinical settings; learn practical ways to prevent and respond to gender-based violence; developing communication skills for inclusive and respectful patient interaction; and strengthening institutional practices to make healthcare safe and non-discriminatory. Participants will be a mix of clinical and non-clinical staff who directly impact the patient experience.