Traditional medicine for the poor Laos

SEDA has received a $1000 US dollar grant from the Australian Embassy in Vientiane, Lao P.D..R. for expanding two units at the Patient's Residence Housing at the Rehabilitation Treatment Center (RTC). Unfortunately, the total cost to build two units has risen to $2000, as the cost of raw material has increased, the weak US dollar, increased labor costs, and the price of energy and food. Three years ago,$1000 US dollars would have purchased new wood, metal sheets, and other building supplies. Therefore, the RTC has to raise another $1000 to be able to complete the Residence Housing. RTC has raised some funds from patients who visited the center. SEDA can only support RTC with administration, raising awareness, and transportation.

The two unit expansion will include four beds for patients. These two units will provide much needed space as RTC is already short on beds. There is a high demand for the services the RTC offers as it is the only health centre in the area that offers traditional medicine.

One RTC patient that had been to other western medical hospitals and not had a successful diagnoses of her illness. Former patients of the RTC recommended she visit the centre. She will be one of the first new patients to stay at the new patient housing. Even though the construction is not complete the RTC Director wants to help her as soon as possible.

Each day, patients are traveling to the RTC from all over Laos. Unfortunately, the RTC doesn’t always have enough space to meet demand because of lack of space and funds. Each day 50 -100 patients visit the RTC. About 10% need lodging as they are traveling from a long distance.

The completion of these two units will help many patients access the services the RTC offers.


To learn more, please visit: www.seda-laos.org or email: info@seda-laos.org
Or visit our partner site to help support the RTC : www.globalgiving.com