For the first time, Thai and Lao medical teams joined forces in “Thai-Lao Save the Children’s Blue Heart” project and provided screening for heart-disease to 92 pediatric patients from 13-14 October 2023 at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane Capital. From this operation, 37 pediatric heart patients will later be referred to Thailand for surgeries free of charge. This project was a result of the cooperation between the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Thai Red Cross Society, Chulalongkorn Hospital, the Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation (PCSF) and Child’s Dream Foundation together with Ministry of Health of the Lao PDR and Mahosot Hospital. Thai and Lao medical teams jointly conduct screenings and will provide proper treatments to pediatric heart patients from Lao PDR, at the same time, strengthen capabilities of pediatric surgery personnel in Lao PDR, and promote sustainable pediatric heart-disease cooperation between both countries.
On 13 October 2023, Mr. Tej Bunnag, Secretary General of Thai Red Cross Society, and H.E. Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health of Lao PDR, jointly inaugurated the “Thai-Lao Save the Children’s Blue Heart” project at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane Capital. The Ceremony was attended by H.E. Morakot Sriswasdi – Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Lao PDR, Prof. Dr. Phouthone Muongpak – President of Lao Red Cross, executive members and medical personnel from partner organizations and foundations.
