Article content
Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced significant steps towards enhancing access to gender-affirming health services for Manitobans on Wednesday.
Article content
Partnering with institutions like Klinic Community Health and Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, the Manitoba government aims to streamline care processes and improve support for the trans and gender-diverse community.
“Affirming and supporting the gender identity of Manitobans is essential medical care and saves lives,” Asagwara said. “Waiting for care can be painful and distressing, so our government is taking common-sense steps to help patients see providers as quickly as possible.”
Key initiatives include eliminating the requirement for two medical referrals to access specialist care, broadening the scope of primary-care providers who can refer patients (including nurse practitioners), and establishing a working group to connect services across the province.
Article content
The minister said these changes are aligned with the latest clinical guidelines from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and are evidence-based.
Ayn Wilcox, executive director of Klinic Community Health, welcomed the government’s initiative, highlighting its potential to significantly improve mental health and overall well-being for those seeking gender-affirming care in Manitoba.
Under the new measures, patients will have expedited access to comprehensive trans health programs covering primary care, reproductive health-care, mental health support, and information about provincial coverage.
Minister Asagwara also said this marks a crucial step towards equity in health-care access that supports the health and dignity of all Manitobans.
The Manitoba government’s proactive steps are expected to foster a more inclusive and supportive health-care environment, ensuring that gender-affirming care is accessible to all who need it in the province.
Share this article in your social network