Inclusive development in health and education in Laos : the role of national policy and institutions

In rural areas, equity gaps remain high reflecting unequal distribution of services. The study has, as a consequence, identified various policy and institutional constraints preventing full implementation of health and education plans and policies. Key constraints include low and erratic government spending, lack of human resources in health and education, and poor coordination among agencies with development partners. Lack of evidence-based and public consultation processes in planning and policy formulation, and lack of timely and results-based monitoring and evaluation systems are also identified as main constraints