An overseas Vietnamese family in Laos invested $3.8 million to build a private hospital for mothers and children in Vientiane, the first of its kind, the state-run Vietnam News Agency said Mar. 8. Lao Deputy Prime Minister Asang Laoly, Minister of Health Ponmet Dalaloi and President of the Vietnamese Association in Laos Hoang Dieu attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the hospital Mar. 6, the agency said. The project will not only create favorable conditions for treatment but will also help reduce the mortality rate of Lao children, Ponmet Dalaloi said, hoping more private hospitals will be built in his country. Covering an area of 12,550 square meters, the seven-storey hospital is expected to be completed in 18 months and have 120 sick-beds. (Vietnamplus.vn Mar 8)
