With expenses being backed by the Chinese government, the century-old Mahosot Hospital will be completely rebuilt starting the end of this year, with a completion date set for 2022.
Built in 1910, Mahosot Hospital was the first facility of its kind in the country and was run by French doctors.
Acting Director General of the Department of Healthcare, Ministry of Health, Associate Prof. Dr Bounnak Saysanasongkham, stated that the new facility will be four or five storeys high and will operate in line with international standards after it has been completed.
He also added, “We hope it will encourage more people to seek treatment in Laos instead of crossing the border to neighboring countries.”
Thus far, surveys for phases I and II of the project have been completed and the necessary information has been collected to draw up plans, with health officials preparing to present the surveys to the health ministry and the government soon.
In addition to building the new hospital, the Chinese government will also provide modern medical equipment for all the wards and will assist in staff training.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Bounnak said the hospital employs experienced and skilled doctors and nurses who have trained abroad, however it can be difficult for them to be effective when equipment is outdated.
The hospital will be fitted with modern equipment for use in general diagnostics, radiology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other fields of specialization.
The facility will continue to upgrade staff’s skills in endoscopic surgery, cardiology, hypertension and cancer. Free treatment will continue to be provided to families who cannot afford medical care, in an effort to ensure everyone has access to proper healthcare.
Currently, Mahosot consists of 31 wards and employs more than 700 medical staff, all of whom are Lao nationals. Approximately 800-1,000 patients check in to the outpatient ward daily, with 200-300 staying overnight.
The upgraded facility will have 600 beds, replacing the current 450-bed hospital, with some units over a hundred years old.
