Salavan: The Government of Japan has provided a grant of USD 86,200 to support healthcare improvements in Salavan Province, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The funding will be used to construct a new hospital building and provide medical furniture for Thakansoumsoua Small Hospital, located in Thakansoumsoua Village, Lakhonpheng District. The project aims to improve access to primary healthcare services for local residents.According to Lao News Agency, the grant agreement was signed on 12 December 2025 by KOIZUMI Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR, and a representative of the Salavan provincial authorities. Ambassador Koizumi noted the hospital currently operates in ageing buildings affected by dust and leaks, while the lack of a proper waiting area forces patients to wait outdoors. He expressed hope that construction would be completed on schedule and that the upgraded facilities would significantly improve the medical environment and quality of care.The G GP programme supports small-scale projects that directly benefit local communities by promoting economic and social development in developing countries, including the Lao PDR. Japan has so far provided more than USD 1.95 million in assistance to Salavan Province, mainly in the areas of healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The Japanese government said it would continue to support grassroots-level development in the Lao PDR to help reduce regional disparities and improve basic living standards, in line with the principle of leaving no one behind.