Summary

Presenting first of all the key geographic, demographic and socio-economic features of the Lao PDR, this paper provides a detailed examination of the terms and conditions of social security provision under the two main Statutory Social Security Schemes operating in the country; the system for public sector employees and the system for private sector employees. These systems are compulsory and contributory and are administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

The paper also provides an overview of the current role and organisation of the Community Based Health Insurance system targeting informal workers (over 80% of the population) under the Ministry of Public Health. The possibility for the development of a Health Equity Fund (HEF) designed to finance CBHI cards for poor families is mentioned.