In terms of human capital development, there is a need to increase the number of local medical specialists across various fields such as internal medicine, paediatrics, surgery and public health.
Providing overseas training for advanced skills will help reduce reliance on foreign experts and enable people to receive high-quality treatment locally without the need to travel abroad, Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said during the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday.
On the delivery of health services, technological advances are also fully utilised with initiatives such as the use of artificial intelligence for diagnosis and well-equipped laboratories have increased the accuracy and speed of treatment.
Big data analytics has helped diseases to be identified earlier and preventive measures can be implemented more effectively. All of this is pushing towards a more modern and competitive health system at regional level, said the minister.
In strengthening the system as a whole, attention is also being paid to mental well-being with mental health now being promoted as an important component of public health.
Services such as Talian Harapan 145, which operates around the clock, are the main support channels for individuals in need of immediate assistance.
Intervention programmes such as Brunei Bebas Buli and IMind are being implemented in schools and workplaces as a preventive and educational effort, an approach that reflects the concern for the mental and social aspects of the people.
Efforts to strengthen the health system also require the development of strong health literacy among the community, said the minister, adding that health-savvy people can make wise decisions, reduce the burden on the public health system, and improve their quality of life.
On promoting health literacy and awareness, health campaigns now use social media and local community collaborations are implemented with emphasis on value-based healthcare: improving the quality of life with cost-effective policies.
Every expenditure must provide optimal impact on the health and well-being of the people with emphasis being placed on patient-focused treatment, data-based monitoring and measurement of success in terms of improving quality of life. Through this approach, the health sector not only functions as the guardian of public health, but also as a driver of the country’s socio-economic growth.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham highlighted that real success in health transformation cannot be achieved alone but requires close cooperation between various sectors such as the government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions and the public.
Outreach clinics conducted with volunteers, school health programmes mobilised with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and research collaborations with academic institutions are examples of successful synergy between various parties.
Health therefore is a shared responsibility and national achievement requires comprehensive involvement, the minister added.
The Sultanate also recognises mental health as a key component in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a more comprehensive and progressive approach than many other countries that still separate mental health from their NCD policies and demonstrates the country’s commitment to building holistic well-being, not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.
All these achievements show that Brunei is on the right track to realising the goals of Brunei Vision 2035, which is to create a healthy, knowledgeable and resilient society, said Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham.
With this strong foundation, the ministry is confident that it can continue to drive the transformation of the country’s health system to keep pace with future needs and be on par with international standards.
The health sector needs to remain adaptive and resilient with future challenges such as the increasing elderly population, climate change, the threat of global epidemics and the rise of non-communicable diseases require more holistic and flexible policies.
The minister also shared that a policy review is underway to ensure that the health sector remains agile, efficient and relevant and in addition, an evidence- and data-based approach will continue to be at the core of policy planning and service delivery.
The minister said that all initiatives and policies that have been and are being implemented are to shape a healthier, more inclusive, and more prosperous future. The ministry will continue to provide strong and unwavering support for the achievement of the goals of Brunei Vision 2035 and by contributing to the health, productivity, and well-being of the people, the health sector remains a key pillar in the implementation of this vision.
He said every policy formulated, every system developed, and every individual who benefits is a reflection of the collective efforts to build a better future. Brunei Vision 2035 is no longer a vision far ahead, but a reality that is being realised, step by step, policy by policy and effort by effort.
“Brunei may be small in terms of geography, but its spirit is big, its ambitions are high, and its people’s determination is strong and with clarity of vision, strength of implementation, and unity of all citizens, nothing is impossible to achieve.
“With full confidence and pride, the commitment will continue in building a sustainable, comprehensive health system, and in line with the noble aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035.
“In the spirit of Brunei Vision 2035, let us together develop a country that is not only prosperous economically, but also prosperous in terms of physical, mental, and spiritual health,” Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said.
“Let us make Brunei an example to the world on how a small country can achieve health standards comparable to developed countries, while maintaining our noble values and identity.”
(News source: Borneo Bulletin)
