The Laos-Việt Nam Friendship Hospital was inaugurated on Wednesday Laos’ northern province of Xiangkhouang. — VNA/VNS Photo Bá Thành

VIENTIANNE — The Laos-Việt Nam Friendship Hospital, the largest health care infrastructure project that Việt Nam has presented to Laos, was inaugurated in Laos’ northern province of Xiangkhouang on Wednesday.

Covering an area of 2.5ha, the hospital is built at a cost of nearly VNĐ500 billion ($21.32 million) using non-refundable aid from the Vietnamese Government. With 200 beds and modern equipment, the hospital aims to meet the healthcare service demand of people in Xiangkhouang and northeastern localities of Laos.

According to Lao Deputy Minister of Health Snong Thongsna, the hospital is expected to make great contributions to the development of Laos’ health care sector as it is the largest of its kind in the region, of which personnel are trained with the support of Việt Nam.

Xiangkhouang Deputy Governor Sivilay Sengchaleun said that for Xiangkhouang, a war-torn locality with poor healthcare infrastructure, the Laos-Việt Nam Friendship Hospital is hoped to bring great benefits to locals and residents of nearby localities.

Meanwhile, Viengsavanh Vilayphone, Standing Vice Chairman of the Laos-Việt Nam Cooperation Committee, expressed deep gratitude to the Party, State and people of Việt Nam for the support, affirming that the project symbolises the traditional solidarity and mutual support between the two countries.

Delegates visit the infrastructure and equipment of the new hospital. — VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Kiên

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Trần Quốc Phương said that along with meeting locals' healthcare demand, the project contributes to strengthening the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

It shows the great attention of the Party, Government and people of Việt Nam to improving healthcare service quality for Lao people, and reflects the determination of the two Governments in implementing the Việt Nam-Laos cooperation strategy in Xiangkhouang and Houaphanh, he said.

Phương asked the People’s Committee of Nghệ An Province, which borders Laos, as well as relevant agencies to continue to coordinate closely with authorities of Laos and Xiangkhouang province to ensure smooth operations and maintenance of the hospital, and continue personnel training activities within the project’s framework. — VNS