PM praises health officials’ response to Covid-19

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on Friday praised and thanked health officials, whom he described as “white-shirted warriors”, for their efforts to stem the spread of Covid-19.
The premier made the remarks when addressing the Ministry of Health’s annual meeting to review progress in the sector and discuss plans for 2021.
He also reiterated the need for medical staff to comply with professional ethics in the course of their work, as part of sector-wide efforts to raise standards.

The prime minister’s advice comes at a time when health officials are attempting to improve the country’s healthcare services and fulfil the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals so that Laos can rise above least developed country status in the near future.
Mr Thongloun noted that the Ministry of Health had complied with the measures put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as ordered by the Prime Minister’s Office.
He called on health authorities nationwide to ensure that everyone followed these measures for the benefit of the whole population.
The meeting heard an assessment of the situation regarding Covid-19 prevention and control, as well as plans for the future.
The health ministry’s goals were integrated into the National Socio-economic Development Plans for 2016-2020 and 2021-2025 and, more specifically, the Health Plan for 2021.
Implementation of Phase 2 of the Health Reform Strategy was rolled out in 2016-2020 and Phase 3 will be executed from 2021-2025.
Minister of Health Associate Prof. Dr Bounkong Syhavong reported on improvements made in specific health sector indicators and action taken in response to malaria and Covid-19 outbreaks.
Much progress had been made, he said, but challenges remained.
Meeting participants approved the five-year Health Development Plan for 2021-2025 and the health sector’s annual plan for 2021.
The meeting also reviewed progress made in terms of fulfilling five criteria laid down by the ministry relating to excellence in health services and another relating to patient satisfaction.
Service excellence criteria concern patient admissions, cleanliness and hygiene, diagnosis, equal access to treatment, and overall quality of health services. These are the main targets set for the development of the health sector.
Last year, the ministry ran successful projects aimed at increasing access to better quality health services for mothers and children, improved reporting using District Health Information Software 2, trained more medical staff, improved administration, and expanded the health insurance fund to target communities.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update February 1, 2021)