The AIDS Society of the Philippines has decided to provide sexual health services particularly for gay men. Concerned with the rising cases of HIV/AIDS in the country, the group opened their iCON clinic in Quezon City which it described as the first alternative male sexual clinic in the country that provides laboratory testing and medical consultation. Just last March, the government listed 799 new cases of HIV/AIDS, the highest recorded in a month!
The clinic is named iCON because it stands for "I consult, I converse and I confidential". Its name symbolizes the clinic's relationship with its clients.
According to the group's president, Dr. Jose Narciso Melchor Sescon, "when (gay people) go to private hospitals, often than not, they are often ostracized and stigmatized and people are not usually compassionate with the issue." So it's really important to have a clinic that offer services which are not stigmatizing and non-discriminatory.
The clinic is currently open between 5PM to 9PM on Fridays and 10AM to 9PM on Saturdays. It is staffed by two volunteer doctors, two medical technicians, and a nurse who is also the clinic manager.
The clinic is named iCON because it stands for "I consult, I converse and I confidential". Its name symbolizes the clinic's relationship with its clients.
According to the group's president, Dr. Jose Narciso Melchor Sescon, "when (gay people) go to private hospitals, often than not, they are often ostracized and stigmatized and people are not usually compassionate with the issue." So it's really important to have a clinic that offer services which are not stigmatizing and non-discriminatory.
The clinic is currently open between 5PM to 9PM on Fridays and 10AM to 9PM on Saturdays. It is staffed by two volunteer doctors, two medical technicians, and a nurse who is also the clinic manager.
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