Participants gather for a group photo at the Consultation Meeting on Rehabilitation Workforce Evaluation. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: The Ministry of Health successfully concluded its Consultation Meeting on Rehabilitation Workforce Evaluation, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss and assess the current state of the rehabilitation workforce in Laos.
The rehabilitation sector in Laos faces significant challenges, including a shortage of qualified professionals and limited access to rehabilitation services.
This workshop, held on Monday (Oct 28), aimed to gather evidence to support the implementation of Laos’s National Strategy for Human Resources for Health.
By strengthening the rehabilitation workforce, it is hoped that Laos can enhance its healthcare system and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Supported by the United States Agency for International Development through the Okard project, the meeting used the World Health Organisation's Guide for Rehabilitation Workforce Evaluation to gather essential data and insights.
The workshop's objectives included introductions to the concepts and setting up the process, tasks, and synergy needed for the evaluation with relevant entities of the Ministry of Health, along with other Lao ministries and relevant stakeholders.
A review and agreement on establishing the Rehabilitation Workforce Task Team, its members, their roles, responsibilities, the data collection process, sources and timeframe were also aimed for during the workshop.
The rehabilitation workforce plays a critical role in providing essential interventions to optimise functioning and reduce the disabling consequences of impairments.
The evaluation aims to provide valuable insights into challenges faced by the sector and help inform policy decisions to improve the rehabilitation workforce.
The consultation meeting allowed stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, and representatives from civil society organisations, to discuss the evaluation process, contribute to establishing a task team, and review the data collection process.
The Ministry of Health is now moving forward with the evaluation process, with the goal of developing a comprehensive plan to address the challenges facing the rehabilitation workforce and improve the quality of rehabilitation services in Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
