Human Resource

Current Situation of Health Sector in Lao P.D.R.

The government of Lao P.D.R. tackles issues of the health sector with support of foreign countries. Improvement has been seen in the index of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, it still falls behind other Southeast Asian countries as indicated in the table below, and development of the health sector is demanded.

Emergency Medical Service in Lao PDR

The number of traffic accident casualties has been increasing in Lao P.D.R. due to economic development and the mortalization. Until 10 years ago, every day and night in Vientiane which is the capital city of Lao P.D.R., many people died on the road from traffic accidents. At that time, there was no official ambulance service in the country

Today in Lao P.D.R., there are 8 rescue teams who runs the emergency transportation service in Vientiane. They consist of local civilian who works as volunteers and they play an essential role in giving aid to those in medical need at the emergency situation. Their admirable activities have been known more people in the last few years especially in Vientiane and now expanding nationwide. They provide the free service 24/7 with limited resource that is funded only by donation.

Human Resource Development

In Lao P.D.R., the formal education system for prehospital provider has not been established. And there is no national certificate of paramedics. It means that the ability of their knowledge and skills are diffrent one another. They are now required to provide a certain level of quality care, equally to every citizen.

We have been working together with local members in Vientiane to conduct standardized trainings for first responders of 8 rescue teams so that they can acquire the EMS knowledge and skills to reduce the pain of injured people and prevent their deterioration. We will not just hold workshops, but also support the development of independent and sustainable EMS in Lao P.D.R..