VIENTIANE, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Laos will continue upgrading central and provincial hospitals while strengthening primary healthcare services in rural areas to ensure equitable access to quality medical care nationwide.
Speaking during the first extraordinary session of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature, Lao Minister of Health Baykham Khattiya reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to improving healthcare services, particularly for people in remote and underserved communities, according to Lao Security Radio on Friday.
Baykham said central and provincial hospitals will be modernized to improve service quality and strengthen self-reliance in line with the government's goal of building an independent and sustainable healthcare system. At the same time, district hospitals, health centers, and village health volunteers will be further strengthened to expand health education, disease prevention, screening, and treatment services at the community level.
The ministry will continue prioritizing disease prevention and health promotion while ensuring equitable, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for all citizens. The government will also expand support for health insurance schemes, particularly for low-income households, to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and improve access to essential health services.
To improve service delivery, the ministry plans to promote domestic production of medicines and medical supplies, strengthen procurement and supply management systems, and decentralize the procurement of essential medicines to local authorities.
Laos currently has 135 district hospitals, 1,080 health centers, nearly 10,000 healthcare personnel at the district and primary healthcare levels, and more than 20,000 village health volunteers supporting community health services nationwide. ■