Medical practitioners in Luang Prabang province have completed a clinical professional development training programme designed to strengthen the capacity of provincial and district hospitals.

The 10-week training programme was co-organised by the Ministry of Health, Luang Prabang provincial Health Department, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and ran from October 21 to December 27.

The continuous clinical training programSme for provincial and district hospitals has been piloted in Luang Prabang province from 2013 through 2014 with a focus on pediatrics, ob/gyn, internal medicine, surgery and emergency medicine.

The programme was launched by the Lao Ministry of Health, Seoul National University from the Republic of Korea and KOICA in 2012, aiming to establish a continued medical education system for provincial and district medical staff. During the completion ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Associate Prof. Dr Bounkong Syhavong has said the training will contribute to improved capacity and service at a district-level.

The Korea Republic Ambassador to Laos Kim Soo-Gwon complimented strengthened cooperation between Korea and Laos by sharing Korea's expertise in clinical medicine.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives from Luang Prabang provincial health department, KOICA Lao Office and Seoul National University.

Following the course the training material, a clinical guideline book on 80 common diseases, was highly evaluated by trainees and donated to Luang Prabang provincial and district hospitals.

The training will continue through 2014 to improve the capacity of health staff to provide better health care for the community.

If its the south they prtty smart