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The groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of Mittaphab Hospital was held on Tuesday, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the healthcare system in the Lao PDR.
Photo by UN in the Lao PDR
(KPL) The groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of Mittaphab Hospital was held on Tuesday, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the healthcare system in the Lao PDR.
This initiative, with a total funding of USD 12.9 million from the Russian Federation, is implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Lao PDR.
Mittaphab Hospital plays a critical role in delivering specialized care. The hospital serves over 110,000 patients annually, both inpatients and outpatients, yet faces challenges such as aging infrastructure, over-capacity, and equipment gaps.
Its rehabilitation aims to address these issues while positioning the hospital as a model for sustainable and inclusive healthcare in the region.
Strengthening Healthcare Systems
The overarching objective of the project is to enhance healthcare delivery and resilience in the Lao PDR. The initiative includes:
● Rehabilitation Works: Redesigning and upgrading hospital infrastructure in line with UNOPS standards for sustainable health facilities.
● Medical Equipment Procurement:
Procuring and installing state-of-the-art medical equipment to enhance diagnostic and treatment capacities.
● Capacity Building:
Implementing training programmes in hospital management, hygiene, waste management, infection prevention, and maintenance.
Particular attention was paid to climate resilience and ensuring inclusive healthcare services in rehabilitation design.
Innovation is also prioritized throughout the project to ensure advanced medical technologies are incorporated to meet the evolving healthcare demands of the population for years to come. The project aligns with the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021–2025), contributing to Outcome 2: improved quality of human resources and healthcare services.
It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026) by advancing equitable and inclusive access to health services, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
Collaborating for Impact
Today’s milestone highlights the power of international collaboration. The Russian Federation’s funding underscores its commitment to advancing healthcare in the Lao PDR, while UNOPS brings technical expertise to ensure the project adheres to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
The Ministry of Health has been a key partner, providing strategic guidance and local leadership to align the project with national priorities.
UNOPS Country Manager, Ms. Eda Kraja, emphasized the project’s commitment to long-term impact by stating, “By embedding sustainability into every aspect of the project—whether through climate-resilient designs, operational efficiency, or inclusive capacity-building programmes—we are ensuring that Mittaphab Hospital is not just modernized but future-proofed.”
“Quality health care is essential for people’s well-being and a productive workforce. COVID-19 showed us how quality health care can be life-saving and how preparedness for future health hazards and other shocks, including disasters, is so absolutely crucial. Hence, we need to be ready and well equipped to tackle these new challenges.” said UN Resident Coordinator in the Lao PDR, Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov.
Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Lao PDR, Mr. Vladimir A. Kalinin, highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared goals by saying, "Together with our Lao and UNOPS partners, we are supporting the development of healthcare infrastructure to create a healthier future for all in the Lao PDR. We hope that this collaboration will make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country."
Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith highlighted the transformative impact of the project by stating, “The rehabilitation of this hospital will not only enhance its infrastructure but also significantly improve the quality of care for patients, aligning with the Ministry of Health’s 5 Goods and 1 Satisfaction (5G1S) policy.”
A Vision for the Future
Once completed, Mittaphab Hospital will stand as a beacon of hope for equitable healthcare in the Lao PDR. Its expanded diagnostic and treatment capacities will play a pivotal role in addressing critical health challenges and ensuring that no one is left behind.
By prioritizing climate resilience, gender equality, social inclusion, and innovation, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare infrastructure.
The rehabilitation of the Mittaphab Hospital is not just about modernization—it is about empowering communities, fostering resilience, and laying the foundation for a healthier future for generations to come.
KPL
