Description

In Lao PDR, population social health protection coverage stands at 90% of the population. However, the population of Vientiane Capital is only partially covered by Social Health protection mechanisms, and compliance with the contributory scheme covering the formal sector remains a challenge nationwide. Out of pocket expenditures are also high, standing at 49% of Current Health Expenditures, leaving households vulnerable and risking impoverishment when sick. In addition to gaps in equal and effective access to health services, the management and administration of the National Health Insurance scheme (NHI) remain fragile, with processes and tools (and particularly MIS) not yet adapted to the scale of the NHI scheme. Importantly, the financial sustainability of the NHI is at risk, fragilized by irregular, insufficient and unpredictable Government resources allocations.

The project  accompanies partners in Lao PDR in the transition towards sustained extension of coverage, through a financially sustainable national health insurance, with a modernized administration at national and all decentralized levels.