Xayabouly:The Government of Japan has allocated a grant of $109,000 to assist in constructing a new hospital in Houaykhoualuang Village, located in Xayabouly District, Xayabouly Province. This initiative aims to enhance access to primary healthcare for local residents.

According to Lao News Agency, Japanese Ambassador to the Lao PDR, Koizumi Tsutomu, signed the grant contract with a representative of the provincial authorities. The funding is part of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The project will involve building a new hospital structure, supplying hospital furniture, and installing a water tower. The current hospital, built in 1994, has suffered significant deterioration and is prone to flooding due to its location along the Mekong River. To mitigate these risks, the new facility will be constructed on higher ground acquired by local residents.

Ambassador Koizumi expressed optimism that the project would enhance the hospital's infrastructure and medical environment, allowing healthcare workers to deliver better services to patients.

Japan's GGP programme is dedicated to supporting small-scale projects that directly benefit local communities, fostering social and economic development in developing countries, including Laos. The Government of Japan has so far contributed over $1.7 million to Xayabouly Province, focusing on education, public health, and water supply.

Japan remains committed to supporting grassroots efforts to improve living conditions and reduce socio-economic disparities in Laos, ensuring that no one is left behind.