Laos-Vietnam Friendship Hospital debuts in Xiangkhouang
VOV.VN - The Laos-Vietnam Friendship Hospital, the largest health care infrastructure project ever presented to Laos by Vietnam, was inaugurated on May 17 in Laos’ northern province of Xiangkhouang.
Covering a total area of 2.5 hectares, the hospital has been built at a cost of nearly VND500 billion, equal to US$21.32 million, using non-refundable aid from the Vietnamese Government. Featuring 200 beds and full modern equipment, the hospital aims to meet the healthcare service demand of the people in Xiangkhouang and other northeastern localities in Laos.
According to Laotian Deputy Minister of Health Snong Thongsna, the hospital is expected to make great contributions to the development of the neighbouring country’s health care sector as it is the largest of its kind in the region, with personnel being trained with the support of Vietnam.
Xiangkhouang Deputy Governor Sivilay Sengchaleun said that for the province, a war-torn locality with poor healthcare infrastructure, the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Hospital brings great benefits to both locals and residents of nearby localities.
Meanwhile, Viengsavanh Vilayphone, standing vice chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, expressed deep gratitude to the Party, State, and people of Vietnam for their support, affirming that the project symbolizes the traditional solidarity and mutual support that exists between the two countries.
Upon addressing the inauguration ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong said that along with meeting locals' healthcare demand, the project contributes to strengthening the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive ties between the two countries.
It indicates the great attention of the Party, Government, and people of Vietnam in improving healthcare service quality for Laotian people, as well as demonstrating the determination of the two Governments in carrying out the Vietnam-Laos cooperation strategy in Xiangkhouang and Houaphanh, he said.
Deputy Minister Phuong therefore asked the People’s Committee of Nghe An province, which borders Laos, as well as relevant agencies, to continue to co-ordinate closely with authorities of Laos and Xiangkhouang province in a bid to ensure smooth operations and maintenance of the hospital, whilst continuing personnel training activities within the project’s framework.