Healthcare jobs in Laos | Latest jobs openings available

Are you a healthcare professional looking for a new opportunity in a dynamic and culturally rich country? Laos, a country in Southeast Asia, offers a range of healthcare job opportunities for professionals looking to make a difference.

With a growing healthcare system and an increasing demand for quality healthcare services, Laos offers a unique chance to contribute to the country’s healthcare development while gaining valuable international experience. From nurses and midwives to medical doctors and specialists, healthcare administrators, and public health professionals, there are various roles available in Laos.

Many organizations, including international organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and non-governmental organizations like FHI 360 and Winrock International, are hiring healthcare professionals to fill various positions. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, Laos offers a chance to work in a diverse and rewarding environment.

Healthcare job opportunities available in Laos

Here are some of the healthcare job opportunities available in Laos:

  1. UN University Volunteer in Programme Support at UNICEF.
  2. Communications Support Officer at WHO – World Health Organization.
  3. Senior Program Officer, EpiC Project – Laos at FHI 360.
  4. (International) Senior Midwife Trainer Adviser – Vientiane Province at LuxDev.
  5. Public Health Adviser at LuxDev.
  6. WASH Knowledge Management Officer at UNICEF.
  7. Short-Term Consultant for Psychological Support Training, Laos CTIP Project at Winrock International.
  8. Senior Technical Advisor at John Snow, Inc

What qualifications are required for these jobs?

The qualifications required for healthcare jobs in Laos can vary depending on the specific role, but here are some general qualifications and skills that are often required:

  1. Education: A degree in a healthcare-related field is typically required. This could be a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in medicine, nursing, public health, pharmacy, or other related fields.
  2. Licensure: For certain roles such as doctors, nurses, midwives, and dentists, an official license to practice from the Government of Lao PDR is required.
  3. Experience: Previous experience in a healthcare setting can be beneficial. The level of experience required can vary depending on the role.
  4. Skills: Healthcare professionals should have strong communication and interpersonal skills. They should also be knowledgeable about the latest medical technologies, treatments, and practices, and be able to apply this knowledge to their work.
  5. Language: Proficiency in the local language (Lao) and English can be beneficial, especially for roles that involve interacting with patients or international collaboration.
  6. Special Training: For certain roles, special training or certification may be required. For example, training for specific medical procedures, use of medical equipment, or areas like public health, health financing, and healthcare administration.
  7. Commitment to Patient Care: A strong commitment to patient care is crucial. Healthcare professionals should be dedicated to providing the best possible care to their patients

Are there any specific organizations hiring in Laos?

Yes, there are several organizations hiring for healthcare roles in Laos. Here are a few of them:

  1. Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc.: They have several open positions such as Regional HR Partner, Deputy Regional Manager, and Regional Associate.
  2. UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Fund: They are looking for a UN University Volunteer in Programme Support.
  3. WHO – World Health Organization: They have a position open for a Communications Support Officer.
  4. LuxDev: They are hiring for roles like Senior Midwife Trainer Adviser and Public Health Adviser.
  5. FHI 360: They have an open position for a Senior Program Officer.
  6. John Snow, Inc.: They are looking for a Senior Technical Advisor.
  7. Winrock International: They have a position open for a Short-Term Consultant for Psychological Support Training.

What are the salary expectations for healthcare jobs in Laos?

The salary expectations for healthcare jobs in Laos can vary greatly depending on the specific role and level of experience. Here are some general figures:

  1. Health and Medical: A person working in Health and Medical in Laos typically earns around 6,790,000 LAK per month. Salaries range from 1,420,000 LAK (lowest average) to 20,300,000 LAK (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
  2. Healthcare Practitioner: A person working as a Healthcare Practitioner in Laos typically earns around 9,540,000 LAK per month. Salaries range from 4,390,000 LAK (lowest) to 15,200,000 LAK (highest).
  3. Nurse: A person working as a Nurse in Laos typically earns around 3,480,000 LAK per month. Salaries range from 1,600,000 LAK (lowest) to 5,530,000 LAK (highest).

What other healthcare roles are in demand in Laos?

In Laos, the healthcare system is undergoing significant development and there are several roles that are in demand:

  1. Medical Doctors and Specialists: As the healthcare system in Laos continues to develop, there is a growing need for medical doctors and specialists across various fields such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology.
  2. Nurses and Midwives: Nurses and midwives play a crucial role in providing primary healthcare services, especially in rural areas. There is a constant demand for these professionals to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare services.
  3. Health Educators: Health educators who can provide health and wellness education to the public are in demand. They play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing diseases.
  4. Mental Health Professionals: With increasing awareness about mental health, there is a growing demand for mental health professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists.
  5. Pharmacists: Pharmacists are needed not only in hospitals but also in community pharmacies. They ensure the safe and effective use of medications.
  6. Healthcare Administrators: Healthcare administrators manage hospitals and other healthcare facilities, ensuring they operate efficiently and provide adequate care to patients.
  7. Medical Laboratory Technologists: These professionals perform laboratory tests which are crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
  8. Environmental Health Specialists: These professionals monitor environmental conditions that could impact public health, and develop strategies to control or eliminate these risks.

What are the benefits typically offered in healthcare jobs in Laos?

In Laos, healthcare jobs typically offer a range of benefits. Here are some of the common ones:

  1. Salary: Employees in Laos receive a salary equivalent to the minimum wage specified by the Laos government.
  2. Leaves: Employees in Laos are allowed to take different types of leaves, including maternity leave and paid sick leave. The employees in Laos are eligible for 30 days of paid sick leave per year upon presenting a medical certificate.
  3. Health Insurance: Many employers offer medical benefits for employees in Laos, allowing employees to obtain quality healthcare facilities. This includes health insurance that protects employees in Laos against unforeseen events like critical illness, accidents, etc.
  4. Social Insurance: Laos has a social insurance system covering pensions, health insurance, and unemployment insurance. By law, both employees and employers must contribute. Pension contributions are paid by employers, while health and unemployment insurance are split evenly.
  5. Training and Development: Some organizations also offer training and development opportunities to their employees. For example, the World Bank has supported a project to enhance skills development across the country.
  6. Additional Benefits: Apart from these obligatory perks, the employees in Laos also enjoy supplemental benefits like paid leaves.

Are there any tax implications for expatriates working in Laos?

Yes, there are tax implications for expatriates working in Laos. Here are some key points:

1. Personal Income Tax (PIT):

Regardless of the length of their employment and stay in Laos, expatriates who work in Laos and receive compensation in Laos are required to pay PIT. The PIT rates for both Lao and foreign individuals are as follows:

  • 0% for income up to 1,300,000 LAK per month
  • 5% for income between 1,300,001 and 5,000,000 LAK per month
  • 10% for income between 5,000,001 and 15,000,000 LAK per month
  • 15% for income between 15,000,001 and 25,000,000 LAK per month
  • 20% for income between 25,000,001 and 65,000,000 LAK per month
  • 25% for income over 65,000,001 LAK per month

2. Social Security Contributions:

Employers must register with the social security program in Laos and pay payments for both themselves and their staff members.5.5% of an employee’s gross pay goes into the contribution, with the company contributing 6% of the total. Nevertheless, the monthly wage maximum for social security contributions is 4.5 million LAK, which means that income beyond this threshold is not taken into account for calculating benefits.

3. Skills Development Fund (SDF):

Employers may also be required to contribute to the Skills Development Fund, depending on the type and size of their business. The SDF contribution is typically 1% of an employee’s gross salary.

4. Dividend Withholding Tax (WHT):

Dividends (including share in partnership income) received are subject to dividend WHT at the rate of 10%.

What are the working hours for healthcare jobs in Laos?

In Laos, the working hours for healthcare jobs typically follow the country’s labor laws. Here are some key points:

  1. The normal hours of work are eight hours a day, six days a week, or a total of 48 hours per week.
  2. Work performed beyond this limit is considered overtime.
  3. Overtime should not be more than 3 hours a day or 45 hours per month.
  4. An employee cannot work 4 consecutive days of overtime except in the case of an emergency such as combating natural disasters or an accident that would cause significant damage to its labor unit.
  5. For hazardous and dangerous work, employers may have to limit working hours to 36 hours a week or six hours a day

Are there any retirement benefits provided?

Yes, there are retirement benefits provided in Laos. The retirement benefit, also known as a “lump sum allowance”, is based on the employee’s average income multiplied by the total years the employee worked. This benefit is payable by either the employer or the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) depending on the employee’s social security status.

Foreign employees in Laos are entitled to the same benefits as native employees. Ex-pats can benefit from travel allowances and health insurance when working in Laos. All employers in Laos mostly offer these benefits to ex-pats.

Please leave a remark below if you need additional information or if you have any concerns. Please share this post with anybody you know who might be thinking about working in healthcare in Laos.

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