Handover and inauguration ceremony of the operation theatre of Khounkham District Hospital

On 12 December 2025, a significant milestone in strengthening district-level healthcare was achieved with the handover and inauguration ceremony of the new surgery and delivery units at Khounkham District Hospital in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR, which were equipped with the support of the Health and nutrition programme.

The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Vanxay PHONGSAVANH, governor of Khammouane Province, Dr Phaivanh KEOPASEUTH, vice minister of Health, and H.E. Mr Thomas LAMMAR, chargé d'affaires of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the Lao PDR. Also in attendance were former ministers of Health Bounkhong SYHAVONG and Bounfeng PHOUMMALAYSITH, provincial and district leaders, as well as medical doctors and health staff from Khounkham and nearby districts.

This project was successful thanks to the contributions of the Khammouane provincial government for the construction of the building and of the Luxembourg Development Cooperation, through the Health and nutrition programme, for the supply of medical equipment. It also benefited from technical support from the Ministry of Health and a private sector entity for capacity development.

Mr Thomas LAMMAR then praised the quality of the longstanding partnership between the Lao PRD and Luxembourg:

On this occasion, Mr Vanxay PHONGSAVANH gave remarks emphasising that the district authorities should pay close attention to the maintenance and protection of the building and medical equipment to ensure their sustainable long-term use. He also stated that health staff should uphold responsibility and professional ethics, and continue to improve their knowledge and skills to ensure effective patient care.

Following the opening, Khounkham District Hospital will be upgraded to a type A district hospital. This is in accordance with the healthcare planning of the Khammouane Provincial Health Department, as well as the Ministry of Health's Health Sector Reform Strategy for 2030, which aims to ensure that the population has access to quality and equitable healthcare services.

This ceremony represents an important milestone in Luxembourg’s continued partnership with the Lao PDR, reaffirming its support for a stronger healthcare system and its commitment to ensuring that all people have equal access to quality healthcare, leaving no one behind.

The Health and nutrition programme is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.