RIGHT TO HEALTHCARE - THE ROLE OF GENDER AND ETHNIC DISPARITY IN LAO PDR

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights under Article 25 recognises that everyone has a right to adequate healthcare services which implies facilities and information as well. The word ‘everyone’ is not necessarily implemented in its truest sense of the understanding of the term as one comes across discrimination in healthcare services too based on gender and ethnicity. It is in this backdrop that the research aims to understand the impact of unequal access to healthcare services in Lao PDR on the marginalised population, especially ethnic minorities, women, and rural communities. Even with the legal guarantee of free maternal and child health initiatives, the expenses are exorbitant. This dilutes the purpose of free access and any pro-poor benefits. Such kind of disparities are found in the minority Hmong group who face institutionalised discrimination further leading to violence and exploitation. This is facilitated by limited civil and political rights such as restrictions on freedom of expression and participation, inadequate medical care in prisons and drug detention centres worsens health disparities. Even with the presence of legal parameters like the National Health Insurance and Law on Health care, there are challenges to be addressed. This research identifies the gap in policy formulation and its implementation through an inclusive healthcare approach realising the significance of right to healthcare in Lao PDR.