Minister of Health Mrs Baykham Khattiya (centre) co-chairs a planning and review meeting.

Health ministry outlines pathway for reform

The Ministry of Health has set a clear course for reform in 2026 and the following years, aiming to improve service quality, modernise management, and foster self-reliance.
The goals were announced at a review and planning meeting convened by the ministry on February 9-10 to outline priorities during the next phase of development.
The meeting also reviewed nationwide implementation of health sector goals in 2025, under the slogan “Enhance administration, management, and health services for quality, modernity, and step-by-step self-reliance”.
The review meeting was co-chaired by Minister of Health Mrs Baykham Khattiya, Deputy Minister Mrs Aphone Visathep, and President of the University of Health Sciences, Dr Mayfong Mayxay.
Attendees included provincial deputy governors and the Vice Mayor of Vientiane, heads and deputy heads of central and provincial health departments, and representatives of relevant organisations.
The agenda also included the 10th 5-Year Health Development Plan for 2026-2030 and ways to tackle remaining challenges to ensure sustainable and resilient development of the health sector.
The ministry’s reform agenda aligns with the resolutions adopted by the 12th National Party Congress and supports implementation of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan.
Goals include strengthening self-reliance, improving the performance of public and private health services, enhancing recruitment systems and personnel development, improving the procurement of medicines and medical equipment, and expanding self-sustaining hospital models alongside effective management of the Hospital Information Management System.
To ensure in-depth consultation and practical outcomes, the meeting included focus group discussions on specialised topics, allowing health professionals to contribute to wide-ranging and long-term transformation of health services.
Reviewing the outcomes of the Health Development Plan for 2021-2025, Minister Baykham said the main targets set for 2025 were fulfilled, reflecting strong leadership, coordinated implementation, and the dedication of health personnel at all levels.
Implemented through seven main programmes, focal development projects, and 11 sectoral indicators, progress was recorded in the gradual improvement of treatment services, control of disease outbreaks, achievement of targets relating to maternal and child mortality, and continued upgrades to health infrastructure and service networks nationwide.
These results were supported by cooperation between the public and private sectors and continued assistance from international development partners, providing a solid foundation for advancing health sector reforms in 2026 and beyond.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 11, 2026)