Laos awards State-level orders to Vietnam Military Medical University

A conference was held in Vientiane, Laos, on August 23, to review two years of support provided to the Central Military Hospital 103 of Laos in kidney transplantation and present the Lao People's Democratic Republic awarded State-level Orders to the collectives and individuals of the Vietnam Military Medical University.
General Chansamone Chanyalath, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Laos, on behalf of the Lao Party and Government, presents the first-class Labour Order to Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Kien, Director of the Vietnam Military Medical University.
General Chansamone Chanyalath, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Laos, on behalf of the Lao Party and Government, presents the first-class Labour Order to Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Kien, Director of the Vietnam Military Medical University.

The conference was attended by General Chansamone Chanyalath, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defence of Laos; representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos; the leaders and staff of the Central Military Hospital 103 of Laos; and a delegation from the Vietnam Military Medical University, led by Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Kien.

During his speech, Lieutenant General Nguyen Xuan Kien emphasised that the kidney transplants successfully carried out with the support of doctors from the Vietnam Military Medical University marked a historic milestone for the Lao healthcare sector, affirming the expertise, capability, and reputation of Vietnamese military doctors.

The delegates attend the event.

The delegates attend the event.

The achievement also demonstrated the gradual transfer of advanced kidney transplantation techniques to the medical staff of Laos’ Central Military Hospital 103. It highlighted the profound friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two militaries and the two nations of Vietnam and Laos.

As of July 2024, 15 successful kidney transplants have been performed at the Central Military Hospital 103 of Laos, with assistance from the 103 Military Hospital and the Vietnam Military Medical University. This success is a significant step for Laos, putting it on the global map of organ transplantation and advancing its healthcare services to be on par with other countries in the region and the world. This event is also of great political significance, contributing to the strengthening and development of relations between the two Parties and peoples of Vietnam and Laos.

Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Kien speaks at the conference.

Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Kien speaks at the conference.

General Chansamone Chanyalath underscored that the Party, Government, military, and people of Vietnam, have always provided comprehensive assistance to Laos, especially the Central Military Hospital 103 in training kidney transplantation and artificial insemination techniques, as well as equipping the necessary tools for these procedures. This support has played an important role in enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, which continue to flourish.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Laos affirmed that the Lao Army and people have always deeply realised that all victories in the Lao revolutionary struggle for national liberation in the past, as well as in the current cause of national defence and construction, are closely linked to the solidarity and valuable support of the Vietnamese Army and people.

On behalf of the Lao Government, armed forces, and people, General Chansamone Chanyalath expressed deep gratitude to the Party, Government, military, and people of Vietnam for their invaluable support.

In recognition of the significant assistance provided by the Vietnam Military Medical University, the Lao Government awarded the first, second, and third-class Labour Orders to one collective and eight individuals of the university.

General Chansamone Chanyalath presents the Labour Order to individuals from the Vietnam Military Medical University. (Photo: HAI TIEN)

General Chansamone Chanyalath presents the Labour Order to individuals from the Vietnam Military Medical University. (Photo: HAI TIEN)

The kidney transplant cooperation project between the two hospitals and the two militaries of Vietnam and Laos began in 2018. However, it was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On November 18, 2022, after signing a cooperation agreement to support the kidney transplant project, the Lao Ministry of National Defence supported and approved the project.

To ensure the success of the first kidney transplant in Laos, the Central Military Hospital 103 of Laos established a steering committee and 12 specialised departments, involving more than 100 doctors and nurses. The hospital also carried out inspections, and repairs, and purchased additional necessary equipment. Vietnam's Military Hospital 103 carefully planned and deployed highly skilled experts, with high-quality medical equipment.

By December 31, 2022, the first two kidney transplants in Laos were successfully performed at the Central Military Hospital 103 of Laos under the project, marking a significant milestone.

NDO