Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Laos, Mr Vladimir A. Kalinin (​fourth left ), takes part in a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the upgrade of Mittaphab Hospital.

Mittaphab Hospital to have major upgrade

A ground-breaking ceremony took place on Tuesday to mark the start of the rehabilitation of Mittaphab Hospital in Vientiane as part of the government’s efforts to overhaul the country’s health services.
This initiative, with total funding of US$12.9 million from the Russian Federation, is implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in collaboration with Laos’ Ministry of Health.
Mittaphab Hospital plays a critical role in delivering specialised care. The hospital serves over 110,000 patients annually, both inpatients and outpatients, yet faces challenges such as ageing infrastructure, over-capacity, and equipment gaps.
Its rehabilitation aims to address these issues while positioning the hospital as a model for sustainable and inclusive healthcare in the region.
Those taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony included Minister of Health, Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith; Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Laos, Mr Vladimir A. Kalinin; Director General of Mittaphab Hospital, Dr Sonexay Rajvong; UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov; and senior ministry officials.
Dr Bounfeng stressed the transformative impact of the project, saying “The rehabilitation of this hospital will not only enhance its infrastructure but also significantly improve patients’ quality of care, aligning with the Ministry of Health’s 5 Goods and 1 Satisfaction policy.”
“The project also serves to build Lao-Soviet friendship and is a symbol of the cooperative relationship between the two parties and states.”
The Project for the Improvement of Mittaphab Hospital, under which the upgrade is taking place, focuses on the key objectives of Russian Federation cooperation with Laos to improve systems and deliver better medical services.
The rehabilitation of Mittaphab Hospital will allow a better standard of healthcare for the many mothers and infants who are patients at the hospital, and all Lao people will be allowed access to the hospital’s services, Dr Bounfeng said.
UNOPS Country Manager in Laos, Mr Eda Kraja, emphasised the project’s commitment to long-term impact, saying “By embedding sustainability into every aspect of the project—whether through climate-resilient designs, operational efficiency, or inclusive capacity-building programmes—we are ensuring that Mittaphab Hospital is not just modernised but future-proofed.”
Mr Kalinin highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared goals by saying “Together with our Lao and UNOPS partners, we are supporting the development of healthcare infrastructure to create a healthier future for all in the Lao PDR. We hope that this collaboration will make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.”
Mittaphab Hospital has been a central pillar of Laos’ health services since its establishment with support from the USSR in the 1980s.
The hospital has long been at the heart of healthcare delivery in Laos, providing critical services to thousands of patients annually, he added.
“Its crucial role as a national referral centre for traumatology and neurosurgery cannot be overstated. Today, we mark a significant step towards building a healthier future as we embark on a journey to restore and modernise this vital institution,” Mr Kalinin said.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest UpdateJanuary 30, 2025)