(KPL)  Laos and Thailand have jointly organized a medical and public health technical conference under the theme “Promoting Better Health for the Future”, held in Vientiane on 22 April to commemorate 25 years of bilateral cooperation in medical and public health human resource development.

Presiding over the event was Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand. Key Lao representatives included Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health, and Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside experts from the Ministry of Health and University of Health Sciences of Laos. Thai delegates included faculty and administrators from Mahidol University and the Praboromarajchanok Institute.

Minister Bounfeng highlighted that the conference was held to celebrate the success of the partnership initiated by Princess Sirindhorn in 2000, aimed at enhancing the technical capacity of Lao health professionals. Since its inception, the collaboration has provided training for over 1,170 Lao health workers across all provinces under the Royal Project, currently in its 27th cohort.

The conference featured panel discussions on sustainable workforce development, technical presentations by trainees, and exhibitions showcasing collaborative achievements. It served as a platform for knowledge exchange and professional networking, reinforcing the strong and enduring bond between the two nations.

Princess Sirindhorn praised the partnership's accomplishments in advancing public health in both countries, emphasizing its vital role in strengthening national development and improving quality of life for citizens. She expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to foster mutual growth and sustainable healthcare development in the region.

KPL