Lao PDR Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Lao PDR's physicians was 0.30 in 2025, ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 9.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's physicians stood at 0.30 in 2025, a decline of +0.03 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.30 by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 102nd globally.
Lao PDR’s density of physicians per 1,000 people has risen from a historic low of 0.02 in 1960 to 0.30 in 2025, placing the country 102nd in the world. The all‑time peak of 0.73 physicians per 1,000 was reached in 1985, after which the ratio declined for several decades before the recent resurgence. Over the 24‑year coverage period, the modest increase reflects gradual expansion of medical training capacity and limited public‑sector recruitment, yet the figure remains well below regional averages. Comparable levels are observed in peer nations such as Guinea‑Bissau (0.30) and Benin (0.30), while Kenya records a slightly higher density of 0.29, underscoring the persistent shortage of health professionals across low‑income economies. Continued investment in medical education, retention incentives, and rural deployment schemes will be crucial to sustain the upward trajectory and narrow the gap with higher‑income counterparts.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 0.30 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.30 | −0.03 | #102 |
| 2022 | 0.33 | +0.01 | #88 |
| 2021 | 0.33 | −0.03 | #99 |
| 2020 | 0.36 | −0.01 | #109 |
| 2019 | 0.36 | +0.00 | #109 |
| 2018 | 0.36 | −0.08 | #119 |
| 2017 | 0.44 | +0.07 | #112 |
| 2016 | 0.37 | −0.03 | #106 |
| 2015 | 0.40 | +0.02 | #97 |
| 2014 | 0.38 | +0.05 | #103 |
| 2013 | 0.33 | +0.01 | #96 |
| 2012 | 0.32 | −0.01 | #99 |
| 2010 | 0.33 | +0.14 | #106 |
| 2009 | 0.20 | −0.07 | #107 |
| 2005 | 0.27 | −0.08 | #91 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lao PDR matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's physicians was 0.30 in 2025. Ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 9.9% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's physicians peaked at 0.73 in 1985.
The lowest physicians in Lao PDR was 0.02 in 1960.
Lao PDR ranks 102nd globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's physicians is projected to reach 0.30 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Lao PDR in 2025 was 0.30. This ranks 102nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_physicians,
title = {Lao PDR Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}