The Ministry of Health (MoH) is deeply concerned about worries and anxieties arising among those affected by the implementation of the updated Health Service Charge Policy, said Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar in his statement ‘Sustainability of Health Services’ at the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday.

He shared that the ministry values the contributions of the affected groups to the nation’s development and wishes to emphasise that this policy is being implemented with full consideration of their actual life situations, including their financial capacity and medical needs.

He added, “It is important to highlight that this update is not a discriminatory measure or a punitive action. On the contrary, it is a necessary step to ensure a more sustainable and targeted healthcare system.

“Furthermore, this update is not intended to reduce or limit the provision of healthcare services to the public. At the same time, healthcare should not be taken lightly, and every individual must play their part in maintaining the best possible health standards.”

As an ongoing measure, he highlighted that the MoH is working to conduct regular impact assessments to ensure policies are implemented effectively and inclusively; provide an open feedback mechanism to listen to community concerns; adapt policies where necessary based on evidence and experience; and ensure clear and ongoing communication with all stakeholders.

To date, he said, “For those having difficulty making payments, assessments will be conducted by a special team consisting of the medical social worker and finance divisions, and if eligible, referred to channels such as the Patient Assistance Charity Fund, the Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal Management Department (JUZWAB), Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, or through the instalment payment method.”

The assessment process, he said, takes into account various factors including family income, the number of dependents, type and cost of treatment required, and other special circumstances that may affect a person’s ability to pay.

“The primary objective is to ensure that no one is forced to choose between health and the ability to afford to live.”

The MoH, he added, “will continue to monitor and work with the relevant agencies to ensure that the review of the policy is being implemented properly and will examine the need to close the current gaps. Ongoing studies will be conducted to identify any issues need to be addressed together.”

The monitoring mechanism includes the analysis of trends in financial assistance applications, feedback from frontline staff on policy implementation, and surveys on user satisfaction of the affected services.

On the policy’s implementation, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said, “In light of the challenges faced globally and regionally, the MoH is also reviewing existing policies to ensure the sustainability and capability of health and medical services in the long term.

“Along with the implementation of the latest policy that looks at the trend of health spending in this country, it is time for the country to explore initiatives in reviewing the costs and policies of providing health services, through a comprehensive study to ensure that these changes are implemented in an inclusive manner and do not burden every group affected by the changes.”

Therefore, he said, “The MoH has implemented an update to the Health Service Charge Policy which came into effect on July 1, 2025. Under this policy, treatment costs are charged to certain groups and are now borne by them. However, payment exemptions are provided to certain groups of patients as previously announced. These exemptions reflect our commitment to the values of kindness and deep social concern.”

The ministry, he added, “will never deny treatment to those who need it most, and will always ensure that public health considerations are prioritised in every decision made.” The MoH also recommends that affected residents explore various means, such as taking a health insurance, as a preparatory measure to face the burden of treatment costs.

As previously reported, in the 2024/2025 financial year alone, the government has borne almost BND70 million for the treatment of certain groups, including over BND28 million for referrals to private institutions.

The significant increase in costs from year to year, he said, “provides a clear signal to the need to update health financing so that we can channel public resources more effectively, while encouraging the growth of sectors such as health insurance and private care facilities. This reality can hopefully lead us to a more positive angle and prompt other interested parties and agencies to see it as a potential to develop related sectors, in helping the government treat affected particular groups.”

The review of the payment scheme, he said, “aims to promote the wise and responsible use of health services, and will directly contribute to the financial empowerment of the country’s health system. The saved resources will be re-channelled to improve infrastructure, accelerate digitalisation aimed at expanding access to comprehensive services, improving the quality of treatment, and addressing public health challenges including non-communicable diseases for citizens of the country.

“With the support of the government, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, we are confident that the national healthcare system will continue to advance, meeting international standards in line with Brunei Vision 2035 aspirations.”

(News source: Borneo Bulletin)