Bangkok: The Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, is advancing healthcare services for the LGBTQ+ community with the launch of a pilot service unit, "Pride Clinic." This initiative aims to provide health services tailored to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, including hormone therapy counseling, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer screening.
According to Thai News Agency, this innovative service unit is a partnership between the Department of Health and a network of public and private sector partners. It is designed to ensure that healthcare facilities nationwide understand gender sensitivity and adopt consistent practices in caring for individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. The program will begin at Public Health Center 7 in Khon Kaen and will expand to Chonburi and Nakhon Sawan provinces in 2026, with plans to cover all 12 health regions in the subsequent phase.
The Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, underscores the importance of non-discrimination in healthcare services. The successful launch of the Pride Clinic and a specialized training course for healthcare providers at Public Health Center 7 in Khon Kaen marks a significant step toward achieving equal access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals. Additional locations in Chonburi and Nakhon Sawan are slated to open in 2026.
Dr. Amporn Benjapholpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, highlighted the priority given to social equality and reducing inequality in healthcare access for all age groups. Citing data from the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, it is estimated that there are approximately 1.6 million people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in 2024, with this demographic expected to double over the next 15 years.
Despite progress, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face barriers to healthcare, including societal attitudes that affect health literacy and access. The Department of Health acknowledges the necessity of equal and non-discriminatory treatment based on gender identity and sexual orientation. As a result, it has developed models for health promotion services specifically tailored to the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Dr. Nongnuch Patranananop, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, emphasized the importance of a curriculum for healthcare providers to ensure services meet the actual needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Without appropriate intervention, the health issues faced by this group can lead to significant long-term consequences.
Three model health promotion units for LGBTQ+ individuals are set to open in 2026 at Public Health Centers in Nakhon Sawan, Chonburi, and Khon Kaen. These centers will address specific health needs, such as hormone therapy counseling, HPV vaccination, and mental health counseling, with plans to expand the model to all 12 health regions.
Dr. Tipa Krailas, Director of the Bureau of Health Promotion, noted that the Pride Clinic development is a collaborative effort involving various public and private sector partners, including the Department of Disease Control, the Department of Mental Health, and civil society organizations. The initiative aims to standardize healthcare practices for LGBTQ+ individuals nationwide, emphasizing non-discrimination as a fundamental right.