Laos, China celebrate completion of new wing at Mahosot Hospital

A ceremony to mark the opening of a new wing at Mahosot Hospital, funded by a grant from China, took place in Vientiane on October 12, providing the hospital with new facilities and modern medical equipment.
This was the second phase of the Mahosot Hospital improvement project funded by China, after a building constructed under Phase I of the project was completed and handed over by China to Laos in November 2021.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (right) and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang applaud the handover of the building on October 12.

Construction of this facility is the largest project underway as part of the development of a modern hospital and provision of upgraded equipment and systems for the care of patients.
A ceremony to hand over the newly-constructed building took place in conjunction with a state visit to Laos by Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and his delegation to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and the ASEAN-China Summit last week.
The ceremony was also attended by ministers, deputy ministers, and the Chinese Ambassador to Laos.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of the Party, government and people of Laos for the Chinese government’s assistance with the improvement of the hospital.
Work has been ongoing to upgrade Mahosot Hospital since a ground-breaking ceremony for the project took place in 2017, attended by the former Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and former President Bounnhang Vorachit and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
“This newly-constructed and well-equipped building will enable the effective treatment of patients through the use of advanced and modernised medical equipment,” PM Sonexay said.
He added that the hospital upgrade symbolises the friendship between Laos and China and their intention to continue to support each other under the framework of their long-term comprehensive strategic partnership.
“The improvement of infrastructure and medical equipment is vital for the health sector. However, capacity building of medical staff is also needed to improve their knowledge and skills so they can provide more effective forms of treatment,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Sonexay added that training for medical personnel will also require assistance from Chinese specialists.  
On the same occasion, Chinese Premier Li Qiang praised the completion of the second wing at Mahosot Hospital, saying he hoped it would benefit the well-being of the Lao people.
The upgrade, which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, will strengthen the friendship between Laos and China and contribute to the socio-economic development of Laos and improved quality of life, he added.
According to the Director of Mahosot Hospital, Mr Souxath Vongphachan, construction of the hospital extension has been implemented under China Aid since 2017.
The new facilities cover an area of 31,500 square metres, constituting 60 percent of the total hospital site, and are being built at a cost of 590.7 million Chinese yuan or about 1.800 billion kip at the current exchange rate.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update October 16, 2024)