What should health authorities do to assist the poorest people?

Health authorities say improved healthcare and treatment for poor families is essential. A health insurance scheme exists to enable poor people living in remote areas to access free health checks and treatment at hospitals and dispensaries, but some hospitals do not subscribe to the scheme. Vientiane Times asked around for opinions on this chronic problem.  

Ms Khamda Inthasak, a resident of Oudomxay province: Things are certainly better now that the Ministry of Health is expanding services in hospitals around the country and at dispensaries in local communities. District hospitals and dispensaries have staff that are able to assist with treatment and ensure that patients receive safe, good quality care. However, I think more attention needs to be paid to quality, especially in relation to patient admissions, cleanliness and hygiene, diagnosis, equal access to treatment, and the overall standard of health services, especially for the poorest people.
 
Ms Soulina, an employee in Xieng Khuang province: It seems there are many aspects of the health service that have improved, especially in terms of access in remote areas. But I think there are still many things we have to consider such as the need to build more district hospitals and dispensaries because many are old and too small and there are aren’t enough doctors. I think the authorities should do something about this sooner rather than later to ensure that everyone has access to health services of the same standard across the country.

Mr Soulisack, a government official in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: I sympathise with doctors because they have to work harder than most other people. They have to deal with people from all walks of life and encounter many types of illness each day. But having chosen this profession they should strive to do their best and act responsibly. I think there are many aspects of hospitals that need to be improved as soon as possible. This should start with reception, which should make use of modern technology, and the skills of doctors and nurses should also be improved. Everybody who goes to a hospital is in need of treatment and good care by doctors and nurses. I think that working with a smile and providing good service are what’s missing at present and there should be a greater focus on this.
 
Ms Deng, a resident of Hadxaifong district, Vientiane: Health insurance is very important and beneficial for everyone, especially those who live a long way from a town. Providing more funding will help to improve people’s lives and make things easier. But many people simply can’t get to health care centres. The government or other some other entity should provide more funds to build more and better quality hospitals and health facilities in remote areas.
 
Ms Chansamone Xayasan, an employee in Xaysettha district, Vientiane: As we all know, health services in Laos have improved and the government has put more funding into the health insurance scheme so that more people can get check-ups and treatment, especially in rural areas. The cost is not high and is very reasonable as people can get treatment for all types of illness. However, the services on offer at health care centres and hospitals need to be improved. Many people have complained about the slow service, poor quality and standard of treatment, and unsatisfactory incidents involving doctors’ behaviour and their services.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
   (Latest Update January 26, 2021)