Diversand Reports Access Barriers to Hormone Treatments Despite New Decree

**Diversand reports access barriers to hormone treatments despite new decree**

The Andorran association Diversand has highlighted multiple cases where individuals seeking publicly funded hormone therapy—now covered under a recent government decree—are facing significant hurdles due to a complex care pathway and lengthy procedures.

Diversand president Isabella Vargas told *El Periòdic* that while the group welcomes the decree's approval, its rollout has proved far more cumbersome than anticipated. "We're seeing how the hormone therapy process is being implemented," she said, noting mixed outcomes: some people have gained access, but others remain unable to receive care or start treatment.

Vargas pointed to instances where patients consult an endocrinologist unwilling or unable to provide the therapy, forcing them to restart the process with a new specialist. This leads to prolonged waits that exacerbate mental health struggles among trans individuals. "For someone uncomfortable in their body or gender expression, every day of waiting means more suffering, even risking self-harm," she emphasised.

The association described the current system as generating unnecessary anxiety and burden, urging the government to streamline access. Diversand is awaiting a meeting with the Health Ministry to review specific cases and propose fixes.

The government, when asked about funding, referred to SAAS data stating no requests for hormone or surgical treatments have been made so far. For minors, cases are routed to SAAS paediatric endocrinology; for adults, specialists handle prescriptions. Surgical referrals go through the assigned care professional. Officials insisted no requests have been denied, as none have been submitted, and the pathway was developed jointly by the Health Ministry, SAAS, and CASS.

Diversand maintains that frontline experiences reveal a clear gap between the decree and its practical application.