Kathmandu, June 8: Nepal has successfully conducted its first sex reassignment surgery at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj.

In a press conference on Sunday, Professor Dr Jayan Man Shrestha, Head of the Plastic Surgery Department, confirmed the successful male-to-female surgery of a 25-year-old transgender individual from Janakpur. The procedure involved hormone therapy and surgical reconstruction of female physical features.

Dr Shrestha highlighted that this breakthrough enables transgender individuals in Nepal to access sex reassignment surgery locally, avoiding high costs abroad. The surgery costs between Rs. 150,000 to 200,000 in Nepal.

Professor Dr Ishwar Lohani also announced the upcoming establishment of a Gender Affirming Clinic at the hospital to offer dedicated services related to sex change procedures.

This milestone marks a significant advancement in Nepal’s healthcare and support for the transgender community.