Press Release

Public Affairs Office
Embassy of the United States of America
Rue Bartholonie, P.O. Box. 114
Vientiane, Laos.

Tel:  (856-21) 267229
Fax: (856-21) 267160
Website: http://laos.usembassy.gov
June 3, 2008

Official Turnover of U.S. Donated Medical Clinic and Medical Equipment In Sekong Province

U.S. Ambassador to the Lao PDR, Ravic R. Huso and Sekong Province Lieutenant Governor Lieng Khamphoune, center, cut a ribbon to handover the medical clinic and medical supplies in Sekong Province.

On Tuesday, June 3, U.S. Ambassador to the Lao PDR, Ravic R. Huso, traveled to Sekong Province to turn over to provincial medical authorities a new medical clinic built in Lamam District. Construction of this medical clinic was funded by the United States Pacific Command as a humanitarian donation from the government and people of the United States for the people of Lamam District. The construction budget for the Lamam District Medical Clinic was U.S. $186,768.00. At the same time, Ambassador Huso donated medical supplies and equipment worth more than U.S. $19,000 to provincial officials for use in the new clinic.

Sekong Province Lieutenant Governor Lieng Khamphoune accepted the Lamam District medical clinic and medical supplies on behalf of the Sekong Provincial Government.

The United States Pacific Command is also funding the construction of another clinic in Dukchung District, also in Sekong Province, which will be completed later this year. Completion of these two clinics brings the total amount spent on 19 humanitarian projects funded by the United States Pacific Command during the past ten years to more than two million U.S. dollars. These projects have been undertaken in Houaphan, Saravan, Savannakhet, and Sekong Provinces as well as in Vientiane Capital. These humanitarian projects demonstrate the commitment by the United States to continued cooperation with the Government of Laos in mutual humanitarian assistance projects in the Lao PDR.