United States funds renovation of hospital in Saravan

The people of Khongxedon district and surrounding areas in Saravan province will have better opportunities for healthcare and medical treatment thanks to the US government’s support for the renovation of facilities at Khongxedon district hospital.
A groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the renovation of the hospital took place on Tuesday, led by the US Ambassador to Laos Dr Peter Haymond, Saravan Vice Governor Mr Somchay Ounchit, and Director of the Saravan provincial Health Department, Mr Akhom Lamvichit.  

During the ceremony, officials signed an administrative memorandum between the US Department of Defense and the Saravan Health Department to coordinate the renovation work.
The renovation is part of activities to mark the fifth anniversary of the US and Lao Comprehensive Partnership, as the United States supports Laos in working to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal No. 3 on good health and well-being. The renovation of Khongxedon district Hospital will improve medical access for the people of Khongxedon district and Saravan province.
“Khongxedon district hospital stands as one of many symbols of the US’ commitment to the health and welfare of the people of Laos, and to the great friendship between our two peoples. It is wonderful to know that this facility will continue to provide help to the people of Saravan for many more years,” Ambassador Haymond said.
According to a press release from the US embassy, over the last 20 years, the United States, through the US Department of Defense and US Army Corps of Engineers, has provided more than US$4.5 million to Saravan province for humanitarian assistance construction projects, of which US$800,000 was dedicated for the renovation of Khongxedon district hospital.
The hospital was originally built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 2003 and has been providing health assistance to the people of Saravan since that time.
The US Department of Defense, in cooperation with the Lao government, is currently funding four projects including the Laokha Clinic and Huaykhaominh school in Khammuan province (completed in May 2020) and the Khongxedon hospital renovation. The construction of Sivilay school in Khammuan province is scheduled to begin later this year. These projects are a part of broader work by the United States across Laos in the areas of health, education, nutrition, UXO removal, law enforcement, and many others. 

By Times Reporter
(Latest Update January 29, 2021)