VIENTIANE: As Laos prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Dec 2, the Mother and Newborn Hospital in Vientiane is marking the occasion with quiet pride, reflecting not only on national progress but also on its own achievements in delivering better care for mothers and children.
Almost a year since it opened, the special inpatient building at the Mother and Newborn Hospital in Nongpaya village, Xaythany district, continues to draw praise for its thoughtful design, attentive care, and patient-first approach.
While no longer new, the facility has earned a strong reputation as a model for what modern maternal and child healthcare can and should look like.
The building was constructed under a public-private partnership between the hospital and Litpanya Architect Construction Co., Ltd., yet the three-storey structure was never intended to be just another hospital wing. Instead, it was envisioned as a space where families—especially mothers and newborns—could find not only medical care but also comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.
The building features 50 private rooms in four categories, from VIP luxury to general accommodation.
Each room is designed to ensure privacy and calm, with 24-hour nursing services available—an especially valuable feature for first-time parents or mothers without relatives to accompany them.
The design itself was inspired by personal experience. President of Litpanya Architect Construction Co, Ltd, Sunatta Litpanya, said her own experience giving birth to three children, both in Laos and abroad, revealed a deep need for improved facilities.
“Our company is honoured to contribute to the nation’s development, especially in a field as vital as maternal and child health,” she said.
“As the Lao PDR marks its 50th anniversary, I extend my warmest congratulations to the government and people of Laos. May our nation continue to enjoy progress, peace, and prosperity. It is my sincere hope that public-private partnerships will continue to flourish as we work together to build a brighter future for generations to come.”
The facility is seamlessly connected to the main hospital and includes a wide range of amenities to make hospital stays easier.
A spacious reception hall and nurse station welcome visitors, while the ground floor offers a café, restaurant, and mini-mart to support patients and families. Specialised rooms, such as a baby bathing room, pharmacy, and administrative offices, are supported by modern infrastructure including medical-grade electrical systems, elevators, CCTV, internet access, and wastewater treatment.
Architecturally, the building presents a modern interpretation of traditional Lao style, respectful of national culture while meeting contemporary needs.
Most importantly, the facility fosters a culture of care. Nurses make regular, respectful rounds to ensure patients feel supported, while still allowing mothers to request rest and privacy without interruption. The atmosphere is defined by quiet compassion and professional attentiveness.
The total project cost was US$6.4 million, with US$4.5 million contributed by the company and US$1.9 million by the hospital. The 25-year operational agreement demonstrates a long-term commitment to partnership and service excellence.
In addition to reflecting on the facility’s achievements, the Director of the Mother and Newborn Hospital, Dr Sivanxay Chanthavongsack, extended heartfelt congratulations to all Lao people on the occasion of National Day.
“The 2nd of December is a day of profound historical significance for our nation,” he said.
“It marks the triumph of the long and courageous struggle of the Lao people under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. Over the past 50 years, Laos has advanced in many areas, including healthcare, education, and human resource development.
"At our hospital, we remain firmly committed to improving maternal and child health, reducing mortality rates, and providing trusted, high-quality services for all who come to us.”
He added “We honour the legacy of former President Kaysone Phomvihane, whose leadership brought freedom to our country in 1975. His dedication continues to inspire us as we work to build and protect our nation with loyalty and responsibility.”
As it approaches its first full year in operation, the Special Inpatient Building is not only providing essential services, it is setting a benchmark for the kind of care that many in Laos hope to see expanded across the national healthcare system.
With its human-centred design, public-private collaboration, and unwavering commitment to quality, the facility stands not only as an achievement, but as a vision of what is possible for the future of maternal and child healthcare in Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
