Laos and Vietnam have expressed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in the health sector. During a meeting between Lao Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, both parties emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration between their respective health sectors. This cooperation aims to deepen the existing friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister warmly welcomed Minister Bounfeng Phoummalaysith and his delegation, expressing confidence that the visit would yield positive and substantive outcomes. Vietnam stands ready to provide continuous support to Laos in overcoming challenges and promoting development. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also conveyed his regards and greetings to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone through Minister Bounfeng Phoummalaysith.

The leaders of both countries acknowledged the successful development of bilateral relations in various fields, including healthcare. In the health sector, notable areas of cooperation include medical examinations and treatment, training of medical professionals, disease control, and support for health system management. The two countries have also collaborated closely during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing assistance in terms of vaccines, medical supplies, equipment, knowledge sharing, and the deployment of experts. These collaborative efforts have contributed to the gradual control and containment of the pandemic in both countries.

Looking ahead, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that the Ministries of Health of both countries devise an operational plan to effectively implement high-level agreements. The plan should focus on concrete actions such as exchanging experiences, particularly in the areas of digital transformation and remote medical services. Additionally, the Prime Minister suggested providing medical treatment and creating favorable conditions for healthcare access to Lao citizens at Vietnamese hospitals. Moreover, further emphasis should be placed on diversifying training programs in the health sector to meet the current needs of Laos, especially in the context of organic hospital projects in Vietnam-Laos border provinces such as Houaphanh and Xiangkhouang. The amendment of the Agreement on border medical quarantine was also discussed, with the aim of streamlining procedures and promoting convenience.

One recent development worth noting is the inauguration of the 200-bed Xiangkhouang Provincial Friendship Hospital, a joint effort between the People's Committee of Nghe An province in Vietnam and the government of Xiangkhouang province in Laos. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged both Ministries of Health to coordinate, provide guidance, and offer professional support to ensure the sustainable and efficient operation of the hospital. Furthermore, the two sides will continue to collaborate and support each other in regional and international health forums.

Minister Bounfeng Phoummalaysith expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese side for their active cooperation and support to the Lao health sector. He specifically highlighted the assistance provided in the areas of human resource training and facilitating medical treatment for Lao citizens in Vietnam. The Minister also expressed the desire to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam and welcome Vietnamese investors in various healthcare fields, including human resource training and traditional medicine. Additionally, he mentioned the importance of completing the construction project of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Hospital in Houaphanh province. Minister Bounfeng Phoummalaysith assured the Vietnamese Prime Minister that he would work closely with the Ministry of Health of Vietnam to implement specific programs, projects, and cooperative activities. This collaborative effort aims to further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.