Khon kaen: The Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, is advancing the enhancement of healthcare services for the LGBTQ+ community with the launch of the "Pride Clinic," a pilot service unit dedicated to catering to the specific health needs of this group. This initiative offers services such as hormone therapy counseling, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer screening.
According to Thai News Agency, the Pride Clinic represents a collaboration between the Department of Health and a network of public and private sector partners. Its goal is to ensure healthcare facilities nationwide adopt gender-sensitive practices, providing equal access to care for individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Initially piloted at Public Health Center 7 in Khon Kaen, the program is set to expand to Chonburi and Nakhon Sawan provinces by 2026, with plans to cover all 12 health regions in subsequent phases.
The Department of Health underscores the importance of non-discrimination in healthcare services. The Pride Clinic, along with a specialized training course for healthcare providers, has been successfully launched at Public Health Center 7 in Khon Kaen. Additional clinics are slated to open in Chonburi and Nakhon Sawan provinces in 2026.
Dr. Amporn Benjapholpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, emphasized the department's commitment to social equality, particularly in reducing inequality and promoting health access for all age groups. Data from the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, estimates there are approximately 1.6 million people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in 2024, with this number expected to double in the next 15 years.
Despite this progress, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face barriers to accessing healthcare due to societal attitudes, impacting their health and health literacy. The Department of Health acknowledges the necessity of equal and non-discriminatory treatment based on gender identity and sexual orientation, driving the development of health promotion models tailored to LGBTQ+ needs.
Dr. Nongnuch Patranananop, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, highlighted the development of a curriculum for healthcare providers to deliver appropriate services aligned with the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Addressing various health risks, including physical, mental, and social well-being, is crucial to preventing long-term adverse effects.
The initiative plans to open three model health promotion units (Pride Clinics) in 2026 at Public Health Centers in Nakhon Sawan, Chonburi, and Khon Kaen, focusing on services like hormone therapy counseling, HPV vaccination, and mental health counseling. The model is set to expand to all 12 health regions in future phases.
Dr. Tipa Krailas, Director of the Bureau of Health Promotion, noted that the development of the Pride Clinic is a collaborative effort involving entities such as the Department of Disease Control, the Department of Mental Health, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Health Department, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Sister Foundation, and civil society organizations. The initiative aims to standardize practices in caring for LGBTQ+ individuals nationwide and promote understanding of gender sensitivity, with non-discrimination recognized as a fundamental right for everyone.