Dr Nguyen Ho Vinh Phuoc of the hospital said: “They can receive services in a private space with respect from the hospital’s health staff.”

Nguyen Tan Thu, a doctor specialising in serving LGBT people, said the service at a public hospital was especially important because patients had often complained about discriminatory attitudes at public hospital facilities. Thu said that many of them had avoided health care or sought illegal services. Some of them were seeking medical or surgical treatments to transition physically to their self-affirmed gender.

Many of the patients are at high risk of contracting HIV and sexually transmitted diseases and need services in these areas, as well as psychological health care, according to the doctor. The number of transgender people who are clinically depressed or want to commit suicide, or abuse alcohol or stimulants, is very high in Vietnam.

“Like everyone, they want to visit hospitals for health exams and treatment. However, because of widespread discrimination, there is a lack of understanding among healthcare staff,” Thu said. Read more via Saigon Online