Pretoria is set to welcome a new, dedicated paid-for healthcare service for LGBTQ+ people with the launch of +Dr, an innovative doctor-led medical practice by OUT LGBT Well-being.
Opening on 1 April 2026, +Dr marks both a return to Pretoria—where OUT first began its work more than three decades ago—and a bold step towards a more sustainable and affirming model of healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Responding to gaps in care
The launch follows the 2025 US government funding cuts that forced the closure of several specialist health services across South Africa. In response, +Dr introduces a paid-for but affordable model designed to ensure expert, stigma-free care.
“+Dr represents our decision to reimagine, creating a sustainable, paid-for model that ensures open and confidential services,” said Dawie Nel, Director of OUT LGBT Well-being.
“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.”
Many LGBTQ+ people continue to report negative experiences in both public and private healthcare settings, including stigma, assumptions about their identities and behaviours, and a lack of appropriate clinical knowledge. These barriers often discourage patients from being open, leading to poorer health outcomes.
+Dr aims to change that.
A space free from judgement
Led by an affirming doctor and nurse with extensive experience in key population health, +Dr offers a safe and respectful environment where clients can speak openly about their needs.
“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,” Nel said.
“Our staff know our community and have more than 10 years’ experience working on issues such as STIs, substance use and the expert treatment of HIV. We follow a harm reduction approach and respect our clients’ choices. You will not be judged.”
The practice specifically addresses gaps in mainstream healthcare, including limited expertise in anal health, diverse sexually transmitted infections, substance use, and the realities of LGBTQ+ sexual practices.
Comprehensive services on offer
+Dr will provide a wide range of medical and wellness services, including:
- HIV Management: HIV testing; anti-retroviral treatment; chronic treatment monitoring
- Prevention Services: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), including injectable PrEP (when available). Vaccination (Hepatitis B virus
- Chemsex Services: Drugs, combinations and administration; safer use; common medical-and mental health conditions
- Sexual Health and Wellness: STI testing, including point-of-care and laboratory tests
- Non-Communicable Diseases: Screening for diabetes, obesity, cancer. Management of chronic diseases
Access and affordability
The service will operate on weekdays, offering both in-person and telehealth consultations:
- 15-minute face-to-face consultation: R460
- 15-minute telehealth consultation: R350
Clients can access services through medical aid or cashless payment (cards only), with pre-authorisation required for certain procedures.
Appointments can be made by calling 012 430 3272 or emailing clinic@out.org.za.
As South Africa continues to grapple with gaps in inclusive healthcare, the launch of +Dr signals an important shift towards community-informed, affirming services that prioritise dignity, respect and expertise.
