From December 31, 2022, to December 15, 2023, Military Hospital 103 of Vietnam Military Medical University of the Vietnam People’s Army successfully collaborated with Military Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army in performing 9 kidney transplant cases with positive outcomes.

According to the Vietnam News Agency reporter in Laos, on December 15 in the capital Vientiane, Military Central Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army and Military Hospital 103 – Vietnam Military Medical University of the Vietnam People’s Army organized a summary ceremony to evaluate the experience of the kidney transplant project in 2023 and discuss cooperation directions in 2024.

The event was attended by Major General Tran Minh Phong, Deputy Director of Vietnam Military Medical University; Major General Khampheng Phoummakeo, Director of the Medical Department, General Department of Logistics, Ministry of National Defense of Laos, along with a delegation of experts from Military Hospital 103 – Vietnam Military Medical University, and the leadership and functional units of Military Central Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army.

Speaking at the Summary Ceremony, Colonel Savengxay Dalasath, Director of Military Central Hospital 103 – Lao People’s Army, stated that, following the guidance and agreement of the defense ministries of the two countries, from December 31, 2022, to December 15, 2023, Military Hospital 103 – Vietnam Military Medical University of the Vietnam People’s Army successfully collaborated with Military Central Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army in performing 9 kidney transplant cases with positive results.

Periodic test results were within normal limits, and some patients have returned to their normal work and daily lives.

The consensus conference acknowledges that the success of the first two kidney transplant cases at the end of 2022 is not only a historic milestone in the growth and development of Military Central Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army but also a significant turning point for the healthcare sector of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The continued successful collaboration between Military Central Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army and Military Hospital 103 – Vietnam Military Medical University of the Vietnam People’s Army in 2023, resulting in 7 successful kidney transplant cases, demonstrates substantial progress in this field for Military Central Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army specifically and the healthcare sector in Laos in general.

The consensus conference, with the guidance and wholehearted support of Vietnamese experts, highlighted the gradual mastery of kidney transplant techniques by the doctors at Military Central Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army.

In the spirit of building and nurturing the strong friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two militaries and countries in general, and between the two hospitals in particular, the conference candidly pointed out issues on the Lao side that need to be addressed. These include the need for early legislation on organ transplantation, enhancement of equipment, machinery, and supplies for kidney transplant procedures, and an increase in specialized training for personnel in the field of kidney transplantation.

In agreement, for the year 2024, Military Hospital 103 – Vietnam Military Medical University of the Vietnam People’s Army will continue to send experts to collaborate and support Military Central Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army in performing 10 to 20 kidney transplant cases. Additionally, there will be ongoing training of personnel and transfer of technical expertise in the field of kidney transplant techniques. The goal is to strive by 2025 for Military Central Hospital 103 of the Lao People’s Army to be self-sufficient in kidney transplant techniques.

Vietnam News Agency

Translator: Nguyen Thi Kim Luyen