WHO Supports Lao PDR’s Healthcare with Oxygen Plants in Provincial Hospitals

September 15, 2023

Photo source: WHOThe Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) recently inaugurated its second provincial medical oxygen plant at Savannakhet Provincial Hospital. This pivotal development was made possible through the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the first time that the province will have the capacity to produce oxygen. Furthermore, two similar units are currently under installation at Oudomxay and Luang Prabang provincial hospitals, expected to become operational in the coming months.

The establishment of these three containerized oxygen plants is part of the 33.5 billion Lao Kip (equivalent to US$1.7 million) donation from WHO. This substantial contribution will ensure a steady supply of oxygen to assist tens of thousands of patients annually. Earlier in February 2023, the first plant in the country was inaugurated at Champasack Provincial Hospital, thanks to the support from the Global Fund and the Clinton Health Assistance Initiative (CHAI).

The three provincial hospitals will now have the ability to produce their own oxygen, capable of filling up to 75,000 cylinders each year. This oxygen will be a lifeline for patients undergoing surgeries, maternal and childcare procedures, and those suffering from conditions like heart failure, asthma, or pneumonia.

Medical oxygen plays a pivotal role in saving lives, particularly in the treatment of diseases like Covid-19. In Lao PDR, the existing oxygen production infrastructure is limited, leading to a dependence on liquid oxygen imports from neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand. This reliance on external sources can become precarious during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when the demand for oxygen surges.

During a recent visit to the newly inaugurated Savannakhet plant, HE Dr Snong Thongsna, the Vice Minister of Health, expressed his gratitude towards WHO, emphasizing the life-saving impact of this donation, stating that it would ensure the health system is better prepared for future public health emergencies when extra oxygen is required.

In addition to the oxygen production and refilling systems, WHO’s support package included the construction of necessary facilities, backup power generators, a three-year supply of spare parts, 200 cylinders for each site, and comprehensive training for technicians at each location.

Dr Ying-Ru Jacqueline Lo, WHO Representative, emphasized the critical role of oxygen in healthcare, adding that the support  will ensure more people in Lao PDR, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and newborns, and also provided an opportunity to improve electrical and other related infrastructure and engineering capacity for hospitals.

Oxygen supply has remained one of WHO’s primary priorities for supporting Lao PDR, especially during and after the coronavirus pandemic. This support encompasses not only the provision of medical oxygen equipment and oxygen itself but also extensive training for healthcare workers and technical assistance.

In conclusion, the establishment of these provincial medical oxygen plants in Lao PDR, with WHO’s generous support, represents a significant step forward in improving the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. It not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also strengthens the country’s ability to respond to future public health emergencies. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of international collaboration in advancing healthcare and saving lives in regions that need it most.

Tags: , ,

Category: Community

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to HCA for exclusive updates

Top Viewed News

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

Now that the world has returned to normalcy following the pandemic, everyone is back to their daily routines and encounters with stress... Read More

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

As we strive to be the hospital of choice, why not refine our commitment to excellence beyond the pivotal mission of saving lives?... Read More

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Malaysian researchers at Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) and the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) have published... Read More

 Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and thus subjective; but in some countries, the ideal of beauty begins... Read More

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

In moments of illness, the presence of loved ones can comfort and support. However, it’s important for visitors... Read More

Free counters!

2025 – 2026 Exhibitions



2025 Events


9-11 July
Medical Device Development (MEDIX) – Osaka
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.manufacturing-world.jp


14-16 July
Lab Asia
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia
www.lab-asia.com


16-18 July
Medlab Asia | Asia Health
Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur
www.medlabasia.com


24 July
Medlab Asia | Asia Health
Singapore
www.conversationaltechsummitasia.com


13-15 August
Philippines Medical
SMX Convention Center Manila Philippines
www.philmedical.com


21-23 August
REHACARE China
Suzhou, China
www.rehacare-c.com


21-23 August
Medical Fair China
Suzhou, China
www.medicalfair.cn


3-5 September
Thailand Lab International
BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
www.thailandlab.com


3-5 September
Bio Ap International
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioapinter.com


9-12 September
China Dental Show
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
www.chinadentalshow.com


10-11 September
Hospital Management Asia
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.hospitalmanagementasia.com


10-12 September
Medical Fair Thailand
BITEC, Bangkok
www.medicalfair-thailand.com


10-12 September
GITEX Digi Health & Biotech Thailand
BITEC, Bangkok
www.www.gitexdigihealth.com


11-13 September
Bio Asia Pacific
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioasiapacific.com


16-18 September
OSH India
Hall-6, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E)
www.oshindia.com


24-26 September
Medtec China
Shanghai, China
www.en.medtecchina.com


7-9 October
Malaysia Pharma and Healthcare Expo
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.mphcexpo.com


9-11 October
Medical Japan Tokyo
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.medical-jpn.jp


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


29-30 October
United Medical Expo
Astana, Kazakhstan
www.umtexpo.com


7-8 November
Eldercare Exhibition and Conference Asia (ELDEX Asia)
Suntex Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre
www.eldexasia.com


10-12 November
Saudi International Pharma Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudipharmaexpo.com


10-12 November
Saudi International MedLab Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudimedlabexpo.com


27-29 November
International Wellness Expo (IWE 2025)
METIC, Malaysia
www.internationalwellnessexpo.com


27-29 November
Vietnam Medi-Pharm
Friendship Cultural Palace , Hanoi
www.vietnammedipharm.vn


2026 Events


9-12 Febuary
Arab Health
Dubai World Trade Centre
www.arabhealthonline.com


15-17 April
Lab Indonesia
Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
www.lab-indo.com


28-30 April
SEACare
MITEC, KL
wwww.ea-healthcare.com


6-7 May
HealthTechX Asia
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
www.healthtechx-asia.com


4-6 June
International Health Industry Expo
China
www.ihe-china.com


16-18 June
CPhI China
SNIEC, Shanghai, China
www.cphi.com


25-27 June
Medical Taiwan
Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taipei, Taiwan
www.medicaltaiwan.com.tw


9-11 September
Medical Fair Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medicalfair-asia.com


9-11 September
Medical Manufacturing Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medmanufacturing-asia.com


1-2 October
GITEX Vietnam
Hanoi
www.gitexasia.com