The Lao Ministry of Health is advancing the transformation of public hospitals into self-governing entities, aiming to improve service standards and attract more patients to state-run facilities.

The ministry aims to improve services for all patients, use resources more efficiently, and encourage VIP and private patients, who often seek treatment at private hospitals or overseas clinics, to choose public hospitals.

The reform seeks to enhance service quality and management efficiency by giving hospitals greater control over administration, personnel, and financial operations, Lao News Agency reported on Tuesday.

Hospital autonomy allows management teams to make faster operational decisions and allocate resources more effectively for diagnosis and treatment, improving responsiveness to patient needs.

Since 2022, three hospitals in Vientiane have piloted the autonomy programme.

In 2025, it was expanded to include two additional central hospitals and ten provincial hospitals.

Lessons from the pilot phase are expected to guide broader implementation by highlighting strengths, addressing challenges, and supporting a gradual, effective transition.

(Xinhua/NAN)