Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune addresses a health sector meeting in Huaphan province.

Deputy PM calls for improved standards in health sector

Health officials countrywide are being encouraged to improve the standard of health services by modernising the administration and management of the sector.
Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune reiterated the advice when addressing an annual meeting in Huaphan province last week to review the progress of the health sector in 2023-2024 and discuss plans for the year ahead.
He called for officials to improve the work of the public health sector to achieve expected goals.
This should be done by ensuring that sufficient medical equipment is installed in health facilities, along with improved standards among nursing staff.
However, significant progress was made in some areas last year. Targets were achieved in efforts to reduce the high mortality rate of infants and mothers, while strides were also made in improving the quality of food served in public places as well as the standard of medical products.
The Deputy PM noted that one health facility had been upgraded to a community hospital where emergency abortions could be performed if necessary.
A number of provincial and central hospitals have improved the quality of treatment and increased levels of public confidence by acquiring more medical equipment and incorporating modern technologies in the provision of services, he added.
It is also important to note that hospital staff and health officials are following the government’s policy that requires medical facilities to fulfil five criteria relating to service excellence and ensure patient satisfaction, to reduce the number of complaints by members of the public, he said.
Also addressing the meeting, Minister of Health Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith spoke of the need to strengthen management in local systems as well as build the capacity of medical staff, especially village physicians, midwives, and specialists.
He confirmed that the government’ health policies had met with a certain degree of success and that better quality health services were now available.
The Ministry of Health has initiated several projects aimed at providing better quality health services for mothers and children, providing health funding to the poor, and improving the standard of medical personnel, the minister said. 
Meeting participants reported on their work and shared their plans for the future. They also discussed advanced techniques and modern treatment methods that would deliver better healthcare.
The meeting not only enabled the exchange of ideas but also stressed the need to strengthen coordination between health officials and medical personnel at both the provincial and central levels.
The annual meeting serves to strengthen health sector management in local systems as well as drive forward the training of medical personnel and the upgrade of health facilities.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update February 19, 2024)