Thailand and Laos sign MOU to enhance border public health

Thailand and Laos have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance public health cooperation across their shared borders. The agreement involves six Thai provinces—Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Bueng Kan—and six Lao provinces—Savannakhet, Champasak, Salavan, Vientiane Capital, Khammouane, and Bolikhamsai.

The collaboration focuses on four primary areas: strengthening network relationships, facilitating seamless international patient referrals, enhancing disease surveillance and control along the borders, and joint medical personnel capacity building.

Supported by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), the initiative included the donation of medical equipment to several hospitals in Savannakhet Province, including Savannakhet Provincial Hospital, Nakhon Kaisone Phomvihane Hospital, Sayabuli District Hospital, and Xayphouthong District Hospital. The meeting was held in Mukdahan to establish a unified health development plan for the Mekong River region.