In 2024, consumer health in Laos exhibits growth despite challenges from high inflation and currency depreciation, which have pressured household healthcare spending. Analgesics remain the top-selling category, followed by cough, cold, and allergy remedies, as well as vitamins and dietary supplements.
Inflation has negatively impacted the majority of households in Laos in 2024, forcing them to reduce healthcare spending. Approximately half of low-income households cut back on healthcare, compared to a third of high-income households.
Poverty reduction in Laos has been slower compared to neighbouring countries, with the gap between rural and urban areas widening. The poverty rate declined from 40.
Hopes for a swift economic recovery following the pandemic have been dampened by both internal and external factors that adversely affect household living standards. Domestically, the depreciation of the currency and high inflation, driven by substantial external debt and low foreign exchange reserves, have caused prices to soar, particularly for imported fuel, food, and medicine.
Although the healthcare system in Laos is currently underdeveloped, the government is enhancing its healthcare infrastructure through substantial investments and support from neighbouring Asian countries and international aid agencies. This presents a unique opportunity for early involvement in establishing medical technology and drug brands, building a reputable presence, and forming essential networks for future growth.
Article 13 of the amended Law on Drugs and Medical Products (No. 07/NA), dated 21 December 2011, mandates that all drugs and medical products intended for use and distribution within Laos must first be registered with the Food and Drug Department (FDD) under the Ministry of Health.
Vitamins and dietary supplements in Laos are regulated similarly to OTC products and must be registered with the Food and Drug Department (FDD) under the Lao Ministry of Health.
Consumer health in Laos is expected to continue its growth over the forecast period, driven by various factors, including urbanisation, climate change, increasingly busy and stressful lifestyles, rising disposable incomes, and heightened awareness of health and wellbeing.
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Consumer Health
It is the aggregation of OTC, Vitamins and Dietary Supplements (VDS), Sports Nutrition, and Weight Management and Wellbeing
See all of our definitionsThis report originates from Passport, our Consumer Health research and analysis database.
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