French Embassy distributes lunch boxes to mark 232nd French National Day

The Embassy of France to Laos distributed 2,000 lunch boxes to doctors and Covid-19 patients at Savannakhet provincial hospital to mark French National Day, which falls on July 14 every year.

Director of Savannakhet Hospital Dr Phouvilay Keomoungkhoune receives a lunch box from Mr Grzelczyk.

The distribution of lunch boxes took place at the hospital on July 14 with support from Savan Logistics and Essilor – French-invested companies in the Savan Seno Economic Zone or Savan Park Zone C.
The Governor of Savannakhet province, Mr Santiphab Phomvihane; Director of Savannakhet hospital Dr Phouvilay Keomoungkhoune; Chief Executive Officer of Savan Logistics Mr Jean Pierre Grzelczyk; General Manager of Savan Park Mr Tee Chee Seng; Managing Director of Essilor Mr Krittipong Thongtaphob; and other invited guests attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Santiphab expressed his sincere gratitude for the contribution of lunch boxes from the French Embassy, with kind support from French-invested companies in Savannakhet province.
“On behalf of the provincial authorities, I’m thankful for the generosity of the French Embassy to Laos and the French-invested companies in Savannakhet province in providing lunch boxes for our doctors and Covid-19 patients. The donation also marks the 232nd anniversary of French National Day,” he said.
He said the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented crisis that posed a threat to the lives of millions of people around the world, and that Laos too could not avoid being affected.

“Over the past months, Laos has recorded 2,600 cases of the virus and three deaths. Savannakhet province alone reached a record 357 cases on July 10, while 137 people have been discharged from hospital and 220 people are under observation or receiving treatment,” he added.

Mr Santiphab said provincial authorities were doing their best to tackle the spread of the virus and encouraging everyone to have a Covid-19 vaccination.
“Up until now, 74,328 people have received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and about 46,717 people have had a second dose. It is expected that 50 percent of population in the province will be vaccinated by the end of this year,” he added.
In conclusion, Mr Santiphab said both Laos and France are being hit hard by the pandemic, but the provision of 2,000 lunch boxes, contributed by the French Embassy and the two French companies, demonstrated the fine friendship and bilateral cooperation between Laos and France.
“Cooperation between us and various organisations in Francophone countries, especially European countries, will contribute to the development of Laos. Additionally, Savannakhet province will benefit from this cooperation to tackle poverty reduction,” he added.
In addition to doctors and nurses at Savannakhet provincial hospital receiving lunch boxes, the French Embassy distributed relief supplies to hospitals in Vientiane to support the fight against Covid-19.
As of July 15, Laos has recorded a new height of 116 cases, totaling to  3,092 and one new death totaling to four.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update July 16, 2021)