Bệnh viện Da liễu

Established in 1886 as a humble leper colony, Bệnh viện Da Liễu has a captivating history. It began on land donated by a gardener named Mr. Colombier. He offered a portion of his vegetable patch to the city of Saigon for the construction of this much-needed facility. The original structure, quickly erected that same year, became known as “Nha Thuong Bac Ha” or “The Silver Screen Hospital”. This nickname stemmed from a prominent silver screen tree within its grounds. Bệnh viện Da Liễu, even in its early days, offered treatment for venereal diseases, providing a vital service in a bustling city. During World War II, under Japanese occupation, Bệnh viện Da Liễu remained a refuge for those seeking treatment for venereal diseases. It was one of only two facilities in Saigon offering such specialized care. This cemented its role as a vital healthcare center. In 1965, the facility transformed into the National Center for Venereal Diseases. It focused on providing free treatment and combating the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The center grew to encompass five distinct units by 1971. These included outpatient clinics, male and female wards, laboratories, and a pharmacy, showcasing its comprehensive approach to healthcare. Following the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, the center was renamed Bệnh viện Da Liễu. Its management was transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health in 1977. Bệnh viện Da Liễu currently stands as a Grade I specialized hospital. It has 120 inpatient beds and 10 departments. It also houses 10 specialized units. Bệnh viện Da Liễu continues its legacy of providing essential dermatological and venereal disease care to the people of Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces of Vietnam. It remains a beacon of hope and healing, a testament to its long and storied past.