Private Hospital Project In Need Of Foreign Skilled Workers
Source: Vientiane Times
More than 80 percent of the first phase of the construction of Kasemrad International Hospital Vientiane (KIH) is now complete but the installation of modern facilities, including IT, management and medical systems, is yet to be done because of the lack of skilled foreign workers.
The construction began in late 2018, and the hospital was expected to be completed in two years. However, the Covid-19 crisis resulted in an indefinite delay for the project to build the largest private hospital in Laos.
Deputy Managing Director of KIH, Ms Valy Vetsaphong, told Vientiane Times on Tuesday that construction is now on track.
“So far, the construction of the building complex is on track and ahead of the initial plan. However, the current problem is that we can’t bring in more than 50 skilled technical workers to install the facilities and systems that are required to be finalised all at once,” she said.
Ms Valy explained that the skilled foreign workers cannot be brought to the country because of restrictions put in place to control the spread of Covid-19.
“If these foreign skilled workers come to Laos, they will be sent to quarantine for 14 days and then stay in quarantine for 14 days in their home country, Thailand. This means that they will waste a lot of time for working only a few days in one month,” she said.
The project’s contractor has made a request to the government to consider the issue of bringing in the foreign workers to ensure the installation of the required systems.
“Obviously, the completion of the project will surely be delayed. It also depends on the government to consider the issue of these Thai workers, who are equipped with professional skills needed to install the equipment,” Ms Valy said.
The hospital will cost US$70 million and be built in two phases. The first phase will cost US$50 million and the second phase US$20 million, according to the initial plan.
The hospital will provide comprehensive medical services with hi-tech medical equipment and experienced doctors to treat all types of patients.
The hospital is located on a 1.92-hectare site in Donnokkhoum village of Sisattanak district. It will have 254 beds and 38 rooms for medical check-ups.
This private hospital will provide an alternative for patients across Laos to access quality medical services and help to discourage people from using medical services in neighbouring countries.
