Health officers and JICA representatives attend the meeting.

Health ministry hosts groundbreaking Continuing Professional Development meeting for nurses and midwives

A significant stride has been taken in healthcare quality and professional development for nurses and midwives through a national meeting on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for these healthcare professionals.
Convened by the Ministry of Health, the meeting took place in Vientiane on Wednesday.

Director General of the Health Personnel Department, Dr Khampasong Theppanya, speaks at the meeting on Wednesday.

The event was a milestone in the evolution of healthcare practices in Laos, launching a newly devised CPD system designed to renew and elevate professional standards in nursing and midwifery.
Under the visionary leadership of the Deputy Minister of Health and with technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the meeting brought together key stakeholders including Department of Health Personnel, the Health Professional Council, provincial health offices, central and provincial hospital management teams, various development partners, and the Embassy of Japan.
The collaborative forum aimed to explore innovative pathways for ensuring that nurses and midwives remain at the forefront of patient care by continuously upgrading their skills and knowledge.
The Deputy Minister of Health praised the launch of the new system, saying “Continuing Professional Development for nurses and midwives is essential to keep pace with rapid advancements in science and technology, ensuring safe, high-quality care. This initiative represents a pivotal milestone in implementing national health resolutions and the 5-year health development plan, driving progress towards universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The newly implemented Continuing Professional Development system requires nurses and midwives to renew their professional licences every five years.
This renewal process is contingent upon the accumulation of CPD credits earned through a variety of activities such as attending training, teaching, long-term education, and conducting scientific research.
By embracing these initiatives, healthcare professionals will not only refine their clinical competencies but also gain access to a structured and dynamic learning environment.
The meeting underscored the dual benefits of the CPD framework.
Firstly, it equips healthcare professionals with up-to-date expertise crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare to the population.
Secondly, it reinforces the professional standing of nurses and midwives by recognising their commitment to lifelong learning and excellence.
Officials emphasised that this system would foster a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of health services in Laos.
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and interactive sessions that highlighted the practical implementation of the Continuing Professional Development system.
The event provided a platform for sharing best practices, addressing challenges, and setting clear expectations for the future.
With the new licensing, CPD, and renewal of the licensing framework in place, all nurses and midwives are expected to benefit from a more transparent and rewarding professional journey.
As the healthcare community embraces this transformative approach, Laos’ Ministry of Health, with technical support from Japan, remains committed to supporting its professionals with robust policies and development opportunities.
The Continuing Professional Development system stands as a testament to Laos’ dedication to elevating healthcare standards and ensuring that every nurse and midwife is well equipped to meet the evolving demands of care for the population.
The Ministry of Health, alongside its national and international partners, looks forward to a future where every healthcare professional thrives in an environment that rewards continuous learning and excellence.

By Siladda Suliyong
 (Latest Update February 28, 2025)