On 12 November 2021, the Ministry of Health received essential medical equipment delivered through a grant of more than US$600,000 from the Government of Japan to tackle the on-going COVID-19 pandemic in the Lao PDR procured through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
The delivery included 100 oxygen concentrators, 100 patient monitors with carts and 100 suction pumps.
The procured equipment is currently being distributed to provincial, community and field hospitals across the country, and is expected to be fully delivered by the middle of December.
The items will help to equip frontline workers with the necessary equipment to treat COVID-19 patients, especially those suffering from severe cases.
Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR Kenichi Kobayashi stated “Japan has provided the Lao PDR with more than US$19 million to assist the country in its fight against COVID-19 as well as the 600,000 doses of vaccine provided to Laos in August. The critical medical equipment we provided this time is expected to reach medical facilities including in vulnerable localities with limited capacities.”
“This is another indication of Japan’s continued desire to help the Lao PDR in addressing the current serious COVID-19 situation. It is our sincere hope that the equipment will help treat and save many people of Laos who are suffering from the pandemic”.
Speaking on behalf of the Lao government, Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith said “We highly appreciate the government and the people of Japan, and UNOPS, for the continued support to help address COVID-19 in the Lao PDR. This remarkable contribution highlights the long-lasting partnership and cooperation between the two countries.”
“The donated equipment will enable healthcare workers to provide essential treatment for patients and strengthen the government’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 outbreak – leading to more recoveries”.
On behalf of UNOPS, UNOPS project manager Caroline Spigelski, stated “The delivery of this equipment is the latest example of UNOPS commitment to the people of the Lao PDR and the strength of our partnership with the Government of Japan. Since the beginning of the pandemic, UNOPS and the Government of Japan have worked successfully together to deliver life-saving medical equipment to people in need across the world.”
“UNOPS is proud to have delivered once again and hopes that frontline medical staff and their patients are able to benefit from this equipment as soon as possible”.
Source: Lao News Agency