11/02/2026
The 2026 session of Bridge the Gap has successfully concluded, with all patients safely returned home and our dedicated doctors back in the Netherlands. We apologize for the delay in this wrap-up post and are excited to share some insights with you! 🤓
This year, Bridge the Gap registered a total of 86 patients. Of these, 67 underwent surgery performed by our skilled Dutch and Lao medical teams, while 6 were operated on solely by the Lao doctors. Additionally, 5 patients received alternative treatments, and 8 were deemed ineligible for surgery but were provided with medical advice.
A significant addition to our team this year was a speech therapist, who joined us to explore the potential benefits of speech therapy in Laos. It became evident that there is a scarcity of trained speech therapists in the country. However, after evaluating numerous patients, it was clear that the techniques effective in the Netherlands are equally beneficial here. This discovery allows Bridge the Gap to expand its efforts and enhance the aftercare for Lao patients. We are thrilled to announce that a series of instructional videos will soon be available to assist patients in improving their diction!
We have been working on improving our outreach and communication with remote communities. There has been a slight decrease in patients from Vientiane Province, along with a noticeable increase from Phongsali. Patients coming from remote locations means higher transportation costs, therefore our budget for travel expenses has remained largely unchanged despite a decrease in the total number of patients this year.
Overall our Dutch and Lao medical teams have been very satisfied with this year’s medical outcome! 🎉
Another significant aspect of our mission is enhancing the hospital experience for patients, ensuring their stay is as comfortable as possible. Once again, we are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of the local community!
This year, Vientiane College generously sponsored one hundred care packages, providing patients with essential items such as toilet paper, mosquito sprays, toothbrushes, and more. They also kindly allowed us to use their printers to create colouring books for the children. Our heartfelt thanks go to them for their invaluable support! 🙏
We have also received remarkable contributions, including a complete supply of bottled water for the event from Ms Jan Tran. The Shed Vientiane provided numerous custom wooden toys, while students at Vientiane International School raised funds and donated clothes and toys to the hospital, spending time playing with the children. Tukata Vientiane Nursery collected clothes, donated soy milk, and delivered numerous play packages with toys for the patients. Additionally, countless individuals and organizations have come forward with clothes, toys, drinks, and more. Notably, when we reached out for assistance for a little girl and her father who arrived at the hospital barefoot, the community swiftly mobilized, and within hours, the first clothing donations had arrived! Finally a special thank you to the two girls who came to kiss their dolls and plush toys goodbye before handing them away to the children, that was very courageous and kind of you! 🥺
Throughout these two weeks, many businesses have generously offered to provide meals for the doctors and volunteers, or have been commissioned by generous donors. While it is impossible to thank each one individually here, we have made an effort to acknowledge each of them on our page with photos of the food they provided. Their support is invaluable, allowing the medical team to concentrate on patient care and spend more time in the operating theater.
Finally, a huge thank you to all the volunteers who have given their time and energy to assist with the logistics, the activities with the children, and the smooth running of the operation!
The combined efforts of the Dutch doctors, the Lao team at Mahosot Hospital, the volunteers, and the community have once again contributed to changing the lives of many people in—we hope—the best way possible. Thank you all for your help and see you next year!
