MANILA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a financing package of 24.9 million U.S. dollars to help improve access to quality health services in the border provinces in Laos, the multilateral lender said on Monday.
The project will upgrade the facilities, equipment, and human resources in Champasak, Savannakhet, and Phongsali provincial hospitals and two district hospitals in Phongsali, the ADB said in a press release.
According to the ADB, the strengthened regional cooperation and integration in the Greater Mekong Subregion have facilitated migration and driven economic growth. However, population movement has also generated unique health challenges, most evident in border areas.
The project will enable Lao health authorities to better respond to the health needs of migrant workers and border area populations, the ADB added.
The project will also roll out an electronic medical record to strengthen continuity of care between border area hospitals and health facilities in other regions of the country. ■
