PM: Aid to fight COVID-19 ‘for the people, not for sale’ 

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has told authorities to take action to ensure that aid supplied by various parties is distributed to the people and officials tasked with fighting the coronavirus – not put on sale.

Addressing a recent meeting with the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, the PM said, “Aid and donated items must be distributed to the people. Don’t sell it. Don’t let it go to (medical) clinics for sale.”

He told the committee to do whatever necessary to distribute the provided aid supplies quickly to instil public confidence in the struggle against the coronavirus.  

Many countries, international organisations, businesses and individuals have provided assistance including facemasks, protective clothing and other essential medical equipment to the Lao government for use in the fight against COVID-19.

Providing aid supplies to medical staff tasked with treating and caring for virus patients was a priority, the PM advised.

“We must provide sufficient protective clothing and equipment to medical staff,” he told the meeting.
Authorities admitted that sourcing sufficient medical equipment and medications, facemasks and hand gel was a challenge amid limited exports of such items from other countries due to their domestic demand as they fought to control the outbreak.
In light of the issue, PM Thongloun asked the taskforce committee to report to him regularly and promptly on the needed equipment such as thermal scanners, ventilators and facemasks so he could give guidance on the matter.
“I will give instructions on allocating a budget to purchase the equipment.” the premier said upon learning of requirements.
Noting that some provincial hospitals had limited numbers of ventilators, the premier asked authorities in charge to purchase them where needed.
“I know the price is not beyond our (financial) ability to buy,” Prime Minister Thongloun said.
He warned the authorities not to take advantage for personal gain when it comes to the procurement of the needed equipment amid this difficult time, saying the purchasing process must be “transparent and verifiable”.
In addition, Laos would also request assistance from friendly countries and international organisaitons based on the necessary support.
The PM told the taskforce committee to form a dedicated team to oversee equipment and aid supply affairs and distribution.
The PM also praised the contribution of many local businesses and individuals who have assisted with facemasks for the public, food for officials tasked with fighting the virus and even discount rentals on apartments for workers during this difficult time.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo 
(Latest Update April 9, 2020)