India’s First Subsidised Voice Change Surgery Package For Trans Persons Launched At Bombay Hospital

Two transwomen – a 30-year-old graphic designer and a 25-year-old makeup artist – became the first patients to undergo voice change surgery at Bombay Hospital this week. The surgeries were conducted under the hospital’s new subsidised package designed to help transgender persons achieve a voice that aligns with their gender identity.

According to the hospital, the initiative is led by Dr Nupur Nerurkar, a laryngologist and voice surgeon, and offers voice change surgery at a reduced cost of Rs20,000. The package excludes emergency care but includes admission to the general ward.

“The package is specifically tailored for transgender persons undergoing hormonal treatments and other gender-affirming procedures,” said Dr Rajkumar V Patil, Director of Medical Services. He added that the initiative is aimed at those who lack insurance coverage and cannot afford expensive surgeries.

Dr Nerurkar shared that both patients are currently on voice rest and recovering well. “The graphic designer approached us in December to feminise her voice, while the makeup artist, who has been on hormone replacement therapy for the past year, had the same request. We’re glad we could assist them through this special package,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of the Trans Voice Package, Dr Nerurkar explained, “For transgender persons transitioning from male to female, voice often becomes a barrier, as hormonal treatments do not feminise the voice. Many rely on voice modulation, which can lead to vocal fatigue and mental stress. Voice change surgery allows transwomen to always sound feminine.”

Having performed over 60 trans voice surgeries, Dr Nerurkar described the advanced technique used today. “Fifty years ago, voice-changing surgeries involved making an incision on the throat to stretch the vocal cords. Now, we use an endoscopic approach, suturing part of the vocal fold to shorten its length, thereby raising the pitch. This method not only increases pitch but also avoids any neck scars,” she explained.

She emphasised the significance of this package for the transgender community. “The voice is a vital expression of self-identity and impacts how gender is perceived by others. Many transwomen come from lower socio-economic backgrounds and face financial challenges in accessing voice change surgeries. The Trans Voice Package is a crucial step toward integrating transgender persons into society by addressing one of the most critical aspects of their transition journey,” Dr Nerurkar said