Lao and Japanese officials gather for a photo after signing a grant agreement on Friday.

Japan grant aid backs southern Laos hospital upgrade

The regional core hospital serving southern Laos will be strengthened following a grant aid agreement of approximately US$18 million from the Government of Japan.
The agreement was signed between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Finance at the ministry’s headquarters on January 9.

Dr Vongkhamheng Vongthachack.	Ms Miyako Kobayashi.

The “Project for the Improvement of the Referral Hospital in the Southern Region”, valued at approximately 2.8 billion yen (about US$18 million), is set to transform Champasak Provincial Hospital into a medical hub serving the four southern provinces of Champasak, Attapeu, Saravan and Xekong.
The agreement was signed by the Director General of the Department of  International Finance and Cooperation, Dr Vongkhamheng Vongthachack, and the Chief Representative of the JICA Laos Office, Ms Miyako Kobayashi, in the presence of representatives from relevant government agencies.
This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both nations to bolster the healthcare system in Laos, aiming to provide better access and higher-quality care for local communities.

Ms Miyako Kobayashi and Dr Vongkhamheng Vongthachack represent the Japanese and Lao governments respectively in signing a grant agreement on Friday.

Expected to be completed in 2028, the project will involve the construction of a new three-storey medical facility featuring emergency, surgical, and intensive care units.
It will also supply modern medical equipment to ensure efficient, high-quality care for patients, particularly those in critical condition.
Addressing current challenges, the project aims to resolve ongoing issues such as system malfunctions and inadequate space that currently hinder effective healthcare delivery.
Beyond infrastructure development, Japan’s support extends to enhancing the quality of healthcare professionals. Initiatives include establishing a continuing education system for nurses and midwives and providing volunteers to strengthen continuous human resource development.
These efforts aim to ensure the sustainability and quality of healthcare services nationwide.
This collaboration aligns with both nations’ commitments to Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on inclusive and equitable healthcare services.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update January 12, 2026)