Lao Government and LFHC Sign New Memorandum of Understanding

This renewed partnership ensures we can continue delivering free, high-quality care to children across Laos. Read Executive Director Nicole Pagourgis’ reflections from her recent visit and what this means for LFHC’s future.

“I recently returned from another trip to Laos and as I frequently do, I’d like to share the highlights of the trip with you. The hospital looked fresh and clean with its many improvements, and it was very busy. The outpatient and inpatient departments were full throughout, with all patients receiving high-quality compassionate care.

This is nothing new, but what is different is that for the last 14 months we have been providing these services without a signed business contract with the Lao government. This contract is referred to as Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and FWAB originally signed a 10-year MOU when it started the hospital construction. It expired March 2024, and in anticipation, we began renegotiations two years before that date, three years of effort in total.

It is important to recognize the true excitement shown by our partners in the Provincial Health Department. They know the value of what the hospital brings to the town of Luang Prabang, the district, the province and the entire country.  

I am thrilled to announce that on June 4, 2025 we signed our new MOU.

It is important to recognize the true excitement shown by our partners in the Provincial Health Department. They know the value of what the hospital brings to the town of Luang Prabang, the district, the province and the entire country.  The Provincial Health Director’s daughter is a doctor, and she was just hired by LFHC. He is beaming with pride because he knows that his daughter will receive quality training to become a pediatrician and will become part of a generation of clinicians who are being trained to help change the pediatric landscape of their country.  

None of this could happen without all of you and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you to all the participants and sponsors for making this event a big success!

Take a look at our photo gallery below—credits to our photographers, Ellen Wallop and George McClintock.