Social Protection

Lao National Assembly makes progress towards crucial reforms in the social protection and public health systems

During high-level discussions, National Assembly members strengthen analytical knowledge and benefit from international experiences

9 April 2025

A National Assembly member makes an intervention

VANGVIENG, Lao People's Democratic Republic (ILO News) – Social protection is a powerful tool to reduce poverty, stabilize the economy, and ensure inclusive development — was the key message at a high-level workshop held from 24 to 26 March 2025 in Vangvieng, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

In collaboration with the Social and Cultural Affairs Commission of the Lao National Assembly, the International Labour Organization (ILO) convened a workshop on social protection and social health insurance policies and financing. This initiative allowed key decision-makers to access analytical information and enhance capacities in building universal and sustainable social protection systems.

“The National Assembly plays the crucial role of shaping policies and legislation to ensure that social protection systems are comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive”, said H.E. Khambay Damlath, Vice President of the National Assembly in his opening remarks. “Through this workshop, we are deepening our understanding of social protection financing, legal frameworks and governance, in alignment with international standards and the country’s development priorities.”

A session presenting data on social welfare

"Lao PDR spends around 1.6% of its GDP on social protection. That’s much lower than regional and global standards. And the benefits don’t necessarily reach those who need them most. By learning from regional best practices and improving financial planning, we can create the laws and a system that truly Leaves No One Behind", stated Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The three-day event brought together members of the National Assembly; Presidents of Provincial Assemblies; Vice-Ministers from key line ministries; and Directors and high-level officials from the Lao Social Security Organisation, National Health Insurance Bureau, and other relevant institutions. Resource persons from the ILO, National Assembly and academia of Cambodia and Viet Nam, UN agencies, and civil society provided data and insights on best practices and international standards in social protection.

Participants examined reform options for the Law on Social Security and Law on Health Insurance, while exploring the role of national parliaments in social protection oversight and governance. Crucial discussions were held on financial sustainability and institutional reform of the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which will be instrumental in guiding efforts to improve efficiency in administration.

Through the sessions, National Assembly members and high-level officials gained analytical information and tools to effectively contribute to legal and policy reforms. The workshop highlighted key policy messages to ensure the alignment of Lao People's Democratic Republic’s social protection system with international standards and tailored to the needs of the Lao people, and to promote universal coverage and financial sustainability.

A session presenting the social security and health insurance systems.

"The NHI is at the dawn of an important institutional change that has the potential to significantly improve its efficiency, ultimately benefiting the entire population, although it will not address the financing gaps that remain a critical challenge for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system", said Marielle Phe Goursat, ILO Programme Manager.

By fostering information exchange and dialogue among key stakeholders, this workshop represented a significant step towards strengthening the governance, financing, and implementation of social protection systems in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

“ILO remains committed to supporting Lao PDR in building a strong, resilient and inclusive social protection system”, said Loveleen De, ILO Programme Manager.“We hope that the data, results of analytical studies, and experiences shared at this workshop will be useful in strengthening legislation and implementing reforms.”

The workshop was supported by the ILO-Luxembourg Project “Building Social Protection Floors: Support for Extending Social Health Protection in Asia” and the ILO-UNDESA project “Accelerating Universal Social Protection for Achieving the SDGs and Ending Poverty through Strengthened Governance and Digital Transformation”.