(KPL) Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Feb 10, 2026 urged the public health sector to strengthen management, expand disease prevention, and modernize hospitals toward progressive self-reliance while improving equitable access to quality healthcare nationwide.

Addressing the National Public Health Sector Annual Review for 2025 and the 2026 work plan in Vientiane, the Prime Minister praised recent achievements and outlined priorities aligned with the 10th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030) and Decree No. 08/PM.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Health Bounpheng Khatthiya, senior health officials, provincial representatives, and stakeholders.

Key Directions:

Prevention First: Strengthen health promotion, control communicable and non-communicable diseases, and improve maternal and child health and nutrition.

Universal Access: Expand quality primary healthcare, vaccination services, sanitation, and clean water, particularly in remote areas.

Modernization: Upgrade health infrastructure, laboratories, and medical equipment while ensuring sufficient quality medicines.

Self-Reliant Hospitals: Transform central and provincial hospitals toward financial and operational self-sufficiency with IT-based management systems.

Human Resources: Enhance training of health personnel and reform health education institutions to meet regional standards.

Pharmaceutical and Traditional Medicine Development: Strengthen domestic production, integrate modern and traditional medicine, and promote research and conservation of medicinal resources.

Governance and Equity: Improve health insurance systems, regulate public and private healthcare services, and ensure ethical, affordable treatment.

The Prime Minister also urged medical professionals to uphold high professional and ethical standards, enhance emergency preparedness, and expand public health awareness campaigns nationwide.

KPL