India’s First Transgender Clinics Shut Down After USAID Funding Freeze

New Delhi: India's first three transgender clinics have shut down following a funding freeze by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), disrupting healthcare services for nearly 5,000 people.

The closures come after US President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day pause on all foreign aid in January, pending a review to ensure projects align with his "America First" policy. The funding halt has impacted several initiatives, including the Mitr Clinics, which provided essential healthcare, hormone therapy, mental health counseling, and HIV treatment.

According to sources, the clinics, located in Hyderabad, Kalyan, and Pune, required up to ₹30 lakh ($34,338) annually to operate. The sudden loss of funding has left them searching for alternative financial support.

Elon Musk weighed in on the issue, criticizing the funding on social media. "That’s what American tax dollars were funding," Musk commented on X (formerly Twitter) in response to news about the clinic closures.

Despite the shutdown, USAID has granted a waiver allowing life-saving treatments, such as antiretroviral medication for HIV patients, to continue temporarily. However, clinic organizers are now seeking public or private funding to sustain operations.

One of the affected doctors expressed disappointment over the closure. "We did some really good work at Mitr Clinics. I am proud of what we achieved there," the doctor said.

The future of the clinics remains uncertain as discussions continue regarding potential funding sources.