Treatment for Covid-19 is no longer free in Luang Prabang.

[ASEAN NOW]

 

Covid-19 sufferers who obtain treatment at provincial health institutions must pay for their own fees, according to authorities in Luang Prabang.

 

According to a letter published yesterday by Dr. Khamsone Phongsavathdy, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Health Department, officials will discontinue providing free meals, drinking water, and other essentials to Covid-19 patients in the region.

 

Last Monday, the Swiss Red Cross stopped sending meals and other services to the Luang Prabang Health Department, prompting the latest action.

 

According to the letter, Covid patients must pay at least LAK 40,000 per day for food and drink.

 

Patients with mild symptoms will be treated for 14 days at a cost of LAK 560,000 per individual, while those who will be treated for more than two weeks will be charged on the day of treatment.

 

If an epidemic occurs in a factory or firm with 50 or more employees, the relevant sector will establish a treatment center on the premises, with the factory covering the costs.

 

Government agencies and businesses must take precautions and will be responsible for their own meal costs if they become infected.

 

Meanwhile, the provincial government has designated several hotels as treatment centers for Covid-19 patients who do not want to be treated in field hospitals; nonetheless, patients are responsible for all charges.

 

Residents have had varied reactions to the new restrictions, with some concerned that individuals who cannot or will not pay for treatment may not be hospitalized, increasing the risk of the virus spreading.

 

Credit Source: The Laotian Times

 

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