Vientiane: The Ministry of Health will prioritize improving healthcare services, expanding access to clean water and sanitation, and strengthening grassroots health systems as part of the government's National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, Minister of Health Baikham Khattiya informed the National Assembly.
According to Lao News Agency, during the First Extraordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly on July 8, the minister emphasized that enhancing public health infrastructure is essential in efforts to improve living standards and reduce poverty, particularly in rural and remote areas. She highlighted that many district hospitals and health centers currently do not meet national standards. To address this issue, the ministry is revising standards for health centers and community clinics to guide future upgrades and improve the quality of healthcare services nationwide.
The minister reported that more than 90 percent of the Lao population currently has access to clean water and sanitation. However, she acknowledged that some communities continue to face seasonal water shortages due to droughts, floods, and other natural disasters. To combat this, the ministry plans to conduct further surveys and develop improvement strategies to ensure reliable and sustainable access to clean water across the country.
Baikham also reiterated the ministry's commitment to expanding equitable access to quality healthcare by modernizing central and provincial hospitals while strengthening district hospitals and health centers. She stated that there will be a stronger focus on reinforcing the grassroots health network through closer collaboration between district health workers, health centers, and Village Health Volunteers. This collaboration aims to provide health education, disease prevention, medical consultations, and primary healthcare services in remote communities.
Furthermore, the ministry plans to enhance preventive healthcare by building the capacity of Village Health Committees and Village Health Volunteers to promote immunization, maternal healthcare, and other essential health services. Improving the patient referral system to ensure timely treatment for serious and emergency cases is also a priority.
Baikham concluded that the ministry will continue to implement the 14 health indicators approved by the National Assembly to improve public health outcomes and support the government's objectives of rural development and poverty reduction.