KOFIH’s Dr Lee Jong-wook Fellowship leads to Laos’ first cerebrovascular procedures

Clinical training in Korea translates into patient care in Laos, strengthening Korea-Laos healthcare cooperation

The Dr Lee Jong-wook Fellowship Programme, led by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), has contributed to a significant milestone in Laos — the country’s first cerebrovascular procedures.
On September 9, medical teams from Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital and Laos successfully performed two cerebrovascular procedures at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane.
Lao healthcare professionals trained in Korea through the Fellowship Programme worked alongside their Korean mentors, applying their acquired knowledge and clinical skills directly to patient care.
The Fellowship Programme, named after the late Dr Lee Jong-wook, former Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), aims to strengthen the competencies of healthcare professionals in partner countries.
From 2024 to 2026, 21 Lao healthcare professionals completed the specialised clinical training in Korea through the clinical course supported by KOFIH and implemented by Inje University.
As part of follow-up cooperation, Korean specialists visited Laos during September 7-13 to provide joint clinical practice, training and consultations. Cooperation covered cerebrovascular procedures, gynecological and surgical laparoscopic surgery, stroke care, anaesthesia and patient safety, infection control, and nursing quality management.
The programme’s Performance Sharing Meeting was held in Vientiane on September 8, bringing together around 90 participants from major Lao healthcare institutions, KOFIH, and Inje University to share achievements and discuss future cooperation.
KOFIH will continue working with Lao partners to translate training outcomes into sustainable improvements in clinical practice and healthcare services.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update September 15, 2026)