The National Medical commission said some medical textbooks, especially those for Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, and Psychiatry subjects, contain “unscientific information” about virginity and “derogatory remarks against the LGBTQA+ community and homosexuals”.
Advisory regarding the issue of LGBTQIA + Community and necessary changes in competencies of CBME- curriculum
1. This is in pursuance of the direction passed by the Hon'ble Madras High Court in writ petition no . 7284 of 2021. It has been noted that the various textbooks of medical education mainly of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology subject and Psychiatry subject contains unscientific information about virginity and also contains derogatory remarks against LGBTQIA + Community and homosexuals .
2. In this connection , all the Medical Universities / Colleges / Institutions are requested that while teaching UG & PG students wherever the issue of gender or similar kind arise , the mention of Clinical history or complaints or signs / symptoms , examination findings or history about nomenclature shall not be taught in such a way that it becomes / perceived in any way derogatory / discriminatory / insulting to LGBTQIA + community .
3. Further , all the authors of Medical Text Books are hereby instructed to amend the information about virginity , LGBTQIA + Community and homosexuals , etc. in their textbooks according to the available scientific literature , guidelines issued by the Government , and directions passed by the Hon'ble Courts . Furthermore , all the Medical Universities / Colleges / Institutions are requested not to approve the books as recommended books by the University if the books have unscientific , derogatory , and discriminatory information about virginity , LGBTQIA + Community , and homosexuals .
4. The publication shall be applied strictly by the Government and Authorities concerned .
