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Laos Expat Health Insurance / Healthcare System News |
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The healthcare system in Laos, like many aspects of the country’s development, is not at the level of providing adequate services for its citizens, especially to the rural populations that have little access and support for medical needs. Given this lack of structure and development, the healthcare in Laos continues to be poor. There are typically reported deficiencies in terms of vitamin intake and nutrition in children. The malnutrition of children is further aggravated by poor sanitation standards and the continuing threat of illnesses in the region. The availability of western style medical practices is low, and there continues to be a “brain freeze” of skilled professionals including medical workers who leave the country for better opportunities, which further reduces the aptitude of local medical facilities and the care that they can provide. This poor and inadequate system has unfortunately seen little improvement since the mid 20th century, hampered by years of civil unrest, including the Vietnam War which took a great toll on the landlocked nation.
Low life expectancies compared to the region averages and high child and infant mortality rates further show the dire situation of healthcare in the country. The average life expectancy at birth for men and women in Laos was estimated in the late 1980s at 49.01 years, similar to the averages of neighboring Cambodia but at least ten years lower than in any other Southeast Asian country. High child and infant mortality rates raised this figure even more, with the Ministry of Public Health estimating the infant mortality rate at 109 per 1,000 and the under-five mortality rate at 170 per 1000 in 1988. This varied greatly between urban and rural areas. While the infant mortality rate for the capital of Vientiane was about 50 per 1,000, in certain rural regions it was estimated to be much higher, with 350 per 1,000 live births; this equates to 35% of all children passing away before their first birthday. The United Nations Children's Fund or UNICEF believed these figures underestimated the true mortality rate but still represented decreases from comparable rates in 1960. These 80s figures remain largely and significantly unchanged today and are directly related to the lack of number of clinics that are available for service. The government hopes to improve the number of children dying prematurely, as well as improving the average life span by 2010, but is well aware that without greater investment either by the government or by foreign developed nations and international organizations, these goals will not be met.
Despite government hope that the urban-oriented health system inherited from the the previous government would be improved to cover to rural primary medical care and preventative measures, there has been little investment to this growth and restructuring since the mid 90s. Based on figures released from 1988, less than 5% of all government expenditures were relayed to health and medical restructuring; it became apparent that the current system in place by the Ministry of Public Health was unable to establish an efficient management style and structure to carry out the improvements that were hoped for. UNICEF deemed the efforts of the current government to create a successful healthcare system in Laos a failure, and the country continues to lack the appropriate medical systems in place for its citizens.
Given Laos’ inadequate healthcare system, it is important as a foreign traveler and expatriate visiting there to understand the way this will affect travels to the country. Anyone with serious medical conditions is not recommended to travel to Laos, given the limited medical care you will receive, even in the capital of Vientiane. Medical evacuation, as always, is very difficult to set up and is extremely expensive. Keep in mind when you are traveling in Laos, especially if you are doing any specific outdoor activities like hiking, visiting rural areas or other outdoor activities, that dengue fever and malaria continue to be a risk, and that all the necessary precautions should be taken to avoid these illnesses. Also avoid any ice in drinks; boiled and bottled water should only be consumed, as many waterborne illnesses abound. Given the many medical risks in Laos, it is advised that you obtain a comprehensive medical and travel insurance policy. This will ensure that you are covered for all medical issues that may arise on you visit to the country.
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Laos Expat Health Insurance |
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Whether you are a tourist or an expat employed in Laos, expat health insurance can provide some of the most comprehensive medical insurance benefits.
For more information about Laos, expat health insurance that we can provide globally, or to receive a free expat health insurance quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.
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