(KPL) Australian Government supported five life-saving dialysis machines will support thousands of patients, and ensure a better quality of life, in provincial hospitals in Bokeo, Xayabouly, Bolikhamxay and Xekong provinces.

The machines were handed last Thursday to Minister of Health, Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith by Australian Embassy’s First Secretary Vanessa Hegarty and WHO Representative Dr Ying-Ru Lo at the Ministry of Health in Vientiane.

Procured by WHO, the machines will help those suffering from kidney disease by improving treatment accessibility, helping more than 5000 additional people each year. It will also allow COVID-19 positive patients to be treated separately, reducing the risk of the virus spreading to others.

“A strong health system means better services, a better quality of care and better outcomes for our patients,” said Minister of Health, Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith. “Any and all progress towards this means lives saved and health protected.”

“My thanks go to the Australian Government for this important donation to our provincial hospitals, protecting both those with kidney disease, and other patients who will benefit significantly.”

 “While this support originated in response to COVID-19, we are delighted that it will also build the sector’s long-term capacity to provide dialysis services to people in need, particularly in the provinces, and provide them with life-sustaining treatment,” said Vanessa Hegarty, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy.

“The Australian Government is committed to our long-lasting friendship with Lao PDR, across COVID-19 recovery, routine immunization and many other areas.”

The dialysis machines were accompanied by 68,000 rapid COVID-19 test kits, and medication for the treatment of COVID-19, distributed to central hospitals. It adds to an earlier Australian Government-donation of four dialysis machines to Khammouane, Salavan, and Champasack provinces late last year.

“The benefits for preventing catastrophic expenditures for individuals with chronic kidney disease and their families is significant,” said WHO Representative Dr Ying-Ru Lo. “I commend the Ministry of Health for its efforts in increasing capacity for dialysis in government health facilities.”

“This generous donation will also ensure that highly vulnerable people with kidney disease can be better assisted, and the health system is strengthened for the future. The Australian Government has been a generous partner throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing urgent and longer-term needs, and we greatly appreciate their ongoing support.”

This donation forms part of almost USD 2 million of support from the Australian Government to WHO Lao PDR to address COVID-19 prevention, treatment and vaccination, and other health issues, across the country. Assistance has included early support for COVID-19 testing and outbreak surveillance, funding for vaccines, supplies for laboratories and clinics, and extensive training for healthcare workers.

KPL