Speaking during the First Extraordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly on July 8, the minister said improving public health infrastructure remains a key priority in efforts to enhance living standards and reduce poverty, particularly in rural and remote areas.
She noted that many district hospitals and health centers still fall short of national standards. To address this, the ministry is revising standards for health centers and community clinics to guide future upgrades and improve the quality of healthcare services nationwide.
The minister said more than 90 percent of the Lao population currently has access to clean water and sanitation. However, some communities continue to experience seasonal water shortages caused by droughts, floods and other natural disasters. The ministry will conduct further surveys and develop improvement plans to ensure reliable and sustainable access to clean water throughout the country.
Baikham also reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to expanding equitable access to quality healthcare by continuing to modernize central and provincial hospitals while strengthening district hospitals and health centers.
She said greater emphasis will be placed on reinforcing the grassroots health network through closer collaboration between district health workers, health centers and Village Health Volunteers to provide health education, disease prevention, medical consultations and primary healthcare services in remote communities.
The ministry will also strengthen preventive healthcare by enhancing the capacity of Village Health Committees and Village Health Volunteers to promote immunization, maternal healthcare and other essential health services, while improving the patient referral system to ensure timely treatment for serious and emergency cases.
Baikham said the ministry will continue implementing the 14 health indicators approved by the National Assembly to improve public health outcomes and support the government's rural development and poverty reduction objectives.

KPL