Ministry of Health and WHO open new medical oxygen plants in northern provinces - Lao People's Democratic Republic (the) | ReliefWeb

Lao PDR

Today, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) opened the country’s third and fourth provincial medical oxygen plants in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provincial hospitals, marking a significant step in enhancing the country’s capacity to provide oxygen therapy. The plants were supported by WHO and will provide the provinces the capacity to produce oxygen for the first time.

These are two of three containerized oxygen plants provided by WHO as part of a 35.5 billion Lao Kip (US$ 1.7 million) donation, which will provide enough oxygen to treat tens of thousands of patients each year. The country’s first provincial oxygen plant was opened in February 2023 in Champasack Provincial Hospital with support from the Global Fund and Clinton Health Assistance Initiative, while the second, funded by WHO, was opened in September 2023 in Savannakhet.

This WHO donation sees 3 provincial hospitals provided the capacity to produce their own oxygen for the first time – up to 75 000 cylinders per year. These will provide life-saving support during surgery, for maternal and child care, and for patients with heart failure, asthma and pneumonia. Increased local production capacity will also protect hospitals and patients from inflation-driven rising costs for purchased oxygen.

Medical oxygen is a life-saving medicine for many diseases, including COVID-19. In Lao PDR, oxygen production infrastructure is limited and there is reliance on liquid oxygen imports from neighbouring countries like Viet Nam and Thailand. Public health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can put supplies at risk when demand increases.

Today, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) opened the country’s third and fourth provincial medical oxygen plants in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provincial hospitals, marking a significant step in enhancing the country’s capacity to provide oxygen therapy. The plants were supported by WHO and will provide the provinces the capacity to produce oxygen for the first time.

These are two of three containerized oxygen plants provided by WHO as part of a 35.5 billion Lao Kip (US$ 1.7 million) donation, which will provide enough oxygen to treat tens of thousands of patients each year. The country’s first provincial oxygen plant was opened in February 2023 in Champasack Provincial Hospital with support from the Global Fund and Clinton Health Assistance Initiative, while the second, funded by WHO, was opened in September 2023 in Savannakhet.

This WHO donation sees 3 provincial hospitals provided the capacity to produce their own oxygen for the first time – up to 75 000 cylinders per year. These will provide life-saving support during surgery, for maternal and child care, and for patients with heart failure, asthma and pneumonia. Increased local production capacity will also protect hospitals and patients from inflation-driven rising costs for purchased oxygen.

Medical oxygen is a life-saving medicine for many diseases, including COVID-19. In Lao PDR, oxygen production infrastructure is limited and there is reliance on liquid oxygen imports from neighbouring countries like Viet Nam and Thailand. Public health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can put supplies at risk when demand increases.

During a visit of the Luang Prabang plant, Minister of Health HE Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith thanked WHO, noting: “WHO's support in establishing oxygen plants in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provincial hospitals is crucial for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving emergency response capabilities, enhancing the overall quality of healthcare in both provinces and reducing treatment costs. We appreciate the continued support from WHO to help ensure health for all in Lao PDR.”

Along with the oxygen production and refilling systems, support included construction of facilities, backup power generators, three years’ worth of spare parts, 200 cylinders for each site, and training for technicians at each location.

“Oxygen is a critical component in the treatment of various medical conditions, especially respiratory illnesses and emergencies,” said WHO Lao PDR Acting Representative Dr Yu Lee Park. “Having dedicated oxygen plants ensures these provincial hospitals are well-prepared to handle medical crises and emergencies effectively, and affordably. WHO will continue working closely with the Ministry of Health to improve the healthcare systems of Lao PDR, expand oxygen production and supply capacity, and ensure health for all.”

Oxygen supply has been one of WHO’s top priorities for support for Lao PDR during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, working in close coordination with partners. This includes providing medical oxygen equipment and oxygen itself, training for healthcare workers, and technical assistance, as part of longer-term efforts to improve healthcare services and build a resilient and sustainable health system.

Media contacts:

Mr Visith KhamlusaDirector of the Center of Communication and Education for HealthMinistry of Health of Lao PDRMobile: +856 20 2250 2862Email: [email protected]

Mr Will Seal                                                                       Technical Officer (Communications)WHO Lao PDR                       Email: [email protected]: +64 21 933 670 (English)Cellular: +856 20 55 510 788