The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr Viengsakhone Louangpadith, Deputy Director General of the Department of Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Ministry of Health, and Ms Oya Yazar, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Lao PDR.

Advancing Clinical Expertise

The programme features a delegation of elite medical experts from Türkiye, led by Prof. Dr Omer Erdeve from Ankara University Hospital. The initiative targets 48 paediatric doctors and nurses representing 17 provincial hospitals from across the country, five central hospitals in Vientiane, as well as Hospital 103 and 5-Meysa Hospital.

The training focuses on two primary pillars - technical capacity building: strengthening neonatal case management protocols, and practical training: conducting intensive bedside clinical rotations within Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU).

Diplomatic and Humanitarian Impact

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Viengsakhone Louangpadith emphasised that this initiative marks a significant milestone in South–South cooperation.

"This project reflects the enduring friendship and concrete cooperation between the governments of Türkiye and the Lao PDR," Dr Viengsakhone stated. "By aligning with our national health priorities, we are building a partnership that ensures the benefits of development directly reach our most vulnerable citizens—our children."

The Ambassador of Turkiye, Ms. Oya Yazar, reaffirmed Turkiye's commitment to supporting the Lao healthcare system, highlighting that such educational exchanges create measurable, life-saving outcomes.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks to the Turkish government and the visiting medical team for their dedication to upgrading the quality of pediatric services in Laos, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.

KPL