Sensitization of Private Medical Practioners. By Dr. Athar Qureshi.

1. Sensitization of Private Medical Practioners.�By Dr. Athar Qureshi. Introduction: A primary sensitization of Private Medical Practioners (PMPs) was carried out to facilitate healthcare for marginalized populations like Hijras and other sexual minorities and has been funded by the FHI/USAID.

2. Sensitization of Private Medical Practioners.�By Dr. Athar Qureshi. Rationale: Private Medical Practitioners around the Hotspots were identified to carry out their primary sensitization on alternate sexuality. After about six weeks of efforts we have been able to gather some preliminary information that can serve as a base line reflecting the nature and scope of the work of these PMPs and the epidemiological profile of their patients. This report presents the data that was collected as each of them was visited. Also there is a brief description of the area where the practitioner is located.

3. Sensitization of Private Medical Practioners.�By Dr. Athar Qureshi. Methods & Material: Each PMP was visited by Dr. Athar Qureshi and concerned outreach worker of the Hotspot. These meetings were carried out during the morning hours as many of the practioners have a busy evening practice. These practioners were asked to fill the questionnaire, which was prepared in order to get the insight into the type of practice and the epidemiological profile of their patients. �

4. Sensitization of Private Medical Practioners.�By Dr. Athar Qureshi. Results: Out of the twelve doctors visited, nine have agreed to work with Humsafar Trust on the project. Five of them are practicing in the western suburbs of Mumbai, one from eastern suburb of Mumbai and three from Thane district. A secondary sensitization and training program has been scheduled in January 2004.

5. Sensitization of Private Medical Practioners.�By Dr. Athar Qureshi. Observations: It was noted that many of the practioners are willing to help for the project as in their day to day practice they realize the need for an extra care for the marginalized. As doctors they very well understand that such issues exist in the society and have to be addressed evenly. Since some of the doctors are practicing alternative medicine there is a need to conduct a separate training program for them.

6. Details of the visits: Hotspot: Malwani. Gate no 5. Location: Malad (west). Malwani is three kms from Malad station in the west. The place is an overcrowded western suburb with people from lower middle class, of which a major chunk live as tenants. There are migrants in the area from U.P, Bihar to Tamil Nadu and Kerela. It�s an ill-planned area supposedly Collector and BMC owned land. Most of the homes are ground plus mezzanine harboring many sets of tenants. It�s a mix bag of residential and commercial places. People are involved in small-scale home trade; some have shops and small time �chai� hotels. There is a huge population of �Hijras� in the area. They are involved in commercial sex work and begging. There are many physicians, practicing M.B.B.S to alternative medicine. The response from these private practioners was over whelming as there is a very careful rapport maintained by the out reach worker in the area. Each one is willing to extend his support for the project. The meeting with them was just an introduction aiming at the primary sensitization on the issue. All have agreed for a further meeting as a follow up, where a schedule can be made for the sensitization program. The Hijras normally visit these practioners for treatment and feel comfortable with the doctors and health services on offer. The doctors also said they were not uncomfortable with hijras.