A medical team from the Lao-French Medical Association is advising people with cleft lips and palates, and people who have problems with their ears and mouth, diabetes or heart disease, to register for free surgery and treatment at the provincial hospital in XiengKhuang province.
Registration is now open and those interested should call hospital officials on 020 55761649, 020 22477787 or 061 213448.
Free treatment for people with the above conditions will take place from November 7-18, while free cleft lip and palate surgery will be performed from November 21-25.
Provincial hospital official Dr Xaysomboun Yayongyia told Vientiane Times a medical team from the association had been providing free surgery and treatment in XiengKhuang province for the past 10 years. More than 20 people, both children and adults, have benefitted from the programme each year.
He explained that surgery and treatment can only take place at the provincial hospital. Patients from remote areas and neighbouring provinces can register on weekdays for free surgery or treatment, but cannot be reimbursed for travel expenses.
Over 60 people have registered so far and the medical team will select those who meet the criteria for surgery.
In the past 10 years, people from Borikhamxay, Oudomxay, Bokeo, LuangPrabang and Huaphan have come to XiengKhuang provincial hospital to get free surgery and treatment, Dr Xaysomboun said.
About 20 Lao and French doctors and nurses will carry out the surgery this year, undertaking four procedures each day.
Hospital officials say that about 1,000 people, both children and adults, in XiengKhuang province are in need of assistance with these conditions.
People with cleft lips and palates have already undergone free surgery by local medical staff in conjunction with teams from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, France, Japan, Republic of Korea and Thailand.
Last year, a medical team led by doctors from Interplast Australia and New Zealand provided free surgery for people in XiengKhuang province suffering from burn scar contractures and cleft lips and palates. More than 90 people received free surgery under the programme last year.
Source: Vientiane Times
