On 13 September 2023, Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), together with H.E. Ms. Morakot Sriswasdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Lao PDR, met with Dr. Ying-Ru Lo, WHO Representative in Lao PDR, at the WHO Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR. Also present were Ms. Wanleeya Wongwuthiwong, Architect, Design and Construction Division, Ministry of Health, and relevant officials from the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane and TICA.

The objective of the meeting is to discuss measures to improve health service system in Lao PDR, in particular on the construction of hospital buildings and healthcare facilities. The WHO has expressed keen interest in adopting the Thai guidelines in this regard, which are reowned for their good practices and have been effectively implemented in Lao PDR through various development projects in healthcare sector. Examples of recently completed projects include the Development Projects for Bokeo Provincial Hospital, Phonhong Hospital and Paksong Hospital.

On this note, the Thai side has expressed their readiness in transfering knowledge on health service system, in particular on the design of hospitals and healthcare facilities as well as the development of hospital standards, should the guidelines align with the specific context and requirements of Lao PDR.