Photo caption: USAID Country Representative to Lao PDR, Mr. Michael Ronning joined Director General Department Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Ministry of Health, Dr. Khamsay Detleuxay to officially hand over a priority list on August 22, 2023. – Photo credit: Souliya Ounavong, USAID Okard Communication and Liaison Officer.
VIENTIANE CAPITAL, LAO PDR — On August 22, 2023. USAID Country Representative to Lao PDR, Mr. Michael Ronning joined Director General Department Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Ministry of Health, Dr. Khamsay Detleuxay to officially hand over a priority list of nearly 13,000 rehabilitation assistive products to strengthen the health and rehabilitation system in Laos, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“We take great pride in providing these substantial rehabilitation assistive products to the Ministry of Health. Our support ensures that individuals with difficulties in functioning will receive quality rehabilitation services, improving their life,” Mr. Ronning expressed with enthusiasm. “The U.S. Government’s commitment to health and disability assistance is a cornerstone of our Comprehensive Partnership with Lao PDR. We remain dedicated to collaborating with and supporting the health and disability sector in this country, and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future.”
Rehabilitation is an essential component in strengthening the Lao healthcare system, and it cannot be achieved without the proper assistive products. Providing these priority assistive products is a tremendous boost to healthcare facilities across Laos. These products will benefit central hospitals, provincial hospitals in Xieng Khouang and Savannakhet, as well as all Provincial Rehabilitation Centers, ensuring that individuals with difficulties in functioning receive top-notch rehabilitation services. This milestone will significantly improve the quality of rehabilitation services at the community level, allowing people to access healthcare from qualified doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists. It is a great step forward in ensuring that the people of Laos receive the care they need.
USAID, through USAID Okard, has contributed a total of 12,675 assistive products that assist with mobility, self- care and positioning of the body, valued at 2,542,888,970 LAK. USAID Okard also procured storage items such as boxes, cupboards and shelves for each health facility – a total of 151 items with a value of 189,508,770 LAK. This brings the total value of the procurement to 2,732,397,740 LAK provided to 11 health facilities: the Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Mahosot Hospital, Mitthaphab Hospital, Setthahirat Hospital at central level, Xieng Khouang Provincial Hospital, Xieng Khouang Provincial Rehabilitation Center and Kham District Hospital and Savannakhet Provincial Hospital, Savannakhet Provincial Rehabilitation Center, Xepone and Xayphouthong District Hospital.
USAID Okard, funded by USAID and implemented by World Education, Inc., in partnership with Humanity and Inclusion, improves access to quality rehabilitation and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities and supports design and implementation of disabilities inclusive policies.