Laos may soon have its first private hospital, with the possibility of improved medical treatment for those who can afford its services.
The Deputy Director General of the Curative Medicine Department of the Ministry of Public Health, Associate Professor Dr Chanphomma Vongsamphanh, said there had been expressions of interest in such a venture from investors in China , Vietnam , Malaysia , Republic of Korea , Austria and Spain .
He said the Chinese and Vietnamese proposals were the most likely meet with approval.
Dr Chanphomma said that any new hospital should have at least 50 rooms.
It is envisaged that such a facility would provide a better service than is currently on offer at state-run hospitals, and would be equipped with modern medical equipment and highly qualified staff.
“With a private hospital, the public will have more opportunity to receive world-class health care when they get sick,” Dr Chanphomma said, adding that a good private hospital would lower the number of people going outside the country for treatment.
He accepted that medical services in Laos may not be as good as those of neighbouring countries, and attributed the problem to staff shortages. “Some doctors and nurses have to work a 24-hour shift instead of eight hours as is the case at a private hospital.”
He said it would require a lot of money to set up the business and even longer to return a profit. For these reasons, the government may not give the green light if investors cannot show they have the qualifications and resources to maintain standards.
There are four main hospitals in Laos - Mahosot, Mittaphab, Setthathirath and 103 - with varying levels of modern equipment. Many of the buildings were constructed several years ago but can only be renovated at considerable expense.
Mr Kae, 31, of Dongdok village, Xaythany district, said he would like to see private hospitals in Laos because it would encourage government hospitals to improve their services, which would be of benefit to the general public.
what a shame!!! lao government is considering going private with hospital?? i guess the poor and middle income families will not getting any treatments?
with all the money from tourists and other taxes... you would think that lao would be able to fund its public hospitals.. very sad news!
what a shame!!! lao government is considering going private with hospital?? i guess the poor and middle income families will not getting any treatments?
with all the money from tourists and other taxes... you would think that lao would be able to fund its public hospitals.. very sad news!
How come you said so. I dont think this is a sad news. I wonder if you read and understand the news article.
The govt. is not planning to transform the public hospitals into private ones. It would be very helpful to have a private hospital that meets the govt's requirements and qualifications in order to provide alternative services to the public esp. those who can afford and foreigners in Laos. I think there are more positive things than negative ones in relation to the launching of private hospital.
