On 1 April 2026, OUT LGBT Well-being — South Africa’s second-oldest LGBT organisation — will launch +Dr, an innovative, doctor-led medical practice in Pretoria dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
+Dr represents both a return to Pretoria for OUT, where it first began its work more than three decades ago, and a bold new model for LGBT healthcare.
The launch follows the 2025 US government funding cuts that led to the shuttering of several expert health services across South Africa. Now, +Dr introduces a paid-for but affordable practice that offers expert, stigma-free care. Clients can be completely open, knowing they will be respected and receive appropriate, professional healthcare.
“+Dr represents our decision to reimagine, creating a sustainable, paid-for model that ensures open and confidential services. The key advantage is that clients can speak honestly about their life, without fearing judgement or inaccurate risk assessments. Our staff are experts in sexual health, including the use of stimulants,” says Dawie Nel, Director of OUT LGBT Well-being.
Many LGBT people report that mainstream healthcare providers, in both the public and private sectors, make assumptions about their sexuality, relationships, drug use or sexual practices. These stereotypes often result in stigma, intrusive or inappropriate questioning, inaccurate risk assessments and ultimately poorer health outcomes.
Such presumed norms can leave clients feeling too intimidated to speak openly about their concerns. In addition, many healthcare workers lack specific expertise in anal health, diverse STIs, substance use, and the realities of how LGBT people have sex.
+Dr directly addresses these gaps. Led by an affirming doctor and nurse with extensive experience in key population health, the practice offers knowledgeable, respectful care — ensuring that clients never have to fear embarrassment, judgement or shame when discussing their sexual health.
“Members of the LGBT community often have to navigate healthcare spaces where we feel misunderstood, judged or forced to educate our own doctors. +Dr changes that,” says Nel. “Our staff know our community and have more than 10 years’ experience working on issues such as STIs (sexually transmitted infections), substance use and the expert treatment of HIV. We follow a harm reduction approach and respect our clients’ choices. You will not be judged.”
+Dr will provide the following medical and wellness services:
- HIV management: HIV testing, ART initiation, and chronic treatment monitoring.
- Prevention options: PrEP, including injectable PrEP (subject to availability), PEP, hepatitis B vaccination, medical circumcision (pre-authorisation required), and condom distribution (when available).
- Sexual health and wellness: STI testing and treatment, including viral hepatitis.
- Chemsex harm reduction: As per the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society Harm Reduction Guideline for Chemsex.
- Non-communicable disease management: Screening for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, mental health, cancer, mpox, etc., and management of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia.
Operating Hours & Fees: From 1 April 2026
Services on weekdays.
Pre-authorisations are required for certain procedures.
Medical Aid or cashless service (cards only).
Discovery members may qualify for Vitality rewards for visits.
• 15-minute face-to-face consultation: R460
• 15-minute telehealth consultation: R350
To make an appointment for +Dr, WhatsApp +27 72 113 6597, call +27 12 430 3272, email clinic@out.org.za or book online here.
Photo: Ketut Subiyanto / Pexels