Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Japan has pledged 2.865 billion yen (approximately US$18 million) to support a project to improve referral hospitals in southern Laos, aiming to upgrade provincial hospitals into fully equipped medical centers.
This aid is part of the ongoing and strengthened long-term cooperation between the two countries, aimed at improving healthcare services in southern Laos through a new initiative.
On Wednesday, an exchange ceremony for the project funding was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane. Ms. Phongsamut Anlaven, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, and Mr. Tsutomu Koizumi, Japanese Ambassador to Laos, attended the ceremony, which was also witnessed by representatives from relevant departments and agencies of both countries.
The project aims to expand coverage of key medical services, reduce long-distance travel for patients, and improve the quality of healthcare services in the four southern provinces.
Key activities include upgrading hospital infrastructure, enhancing technological capabilities, providing modern medical equipment, and sharing Japanese expertise in patient safety and referral systems.
Deputy Minister Phongsamut expressed her sincere gratitude for Japan's continued support over the past seventy years.
She pointed out that this signing comes following Princess Aiko of Japan's recent official visit to Laos. During her visit, Princess Aiko toured the Lao Children's Friends Hospital in Luang Prabang Province, further demonstrating that public health is a key area of Lao-Japanese cooperation. The funding for the hospital's upgrade and renovation coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan and the 60th anniversary of Japan's first volunteer service mission to Laos. Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Koizumi, praised the strong relationship between the two countries and reiterated Japan's willingness to continue close cooperation with Laos, expand cooperation, and ensure the long-term well-being of the people of both countries.
