BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

BRUNEI will continue to prioritise human resource development in various skilled health professional disciplines, and continuously strengthen national healthcare information management system Bru-HIMS in ensuring data information collection is quicker and more accurate, said the Minister of Health.

These approaches, in addition to the recent launch of the comprehensive “Master Plan for the Health System and Healthcare Infrastructure for Brunei Darussalam”, will add value to the country’s effectiveness in the monitoring, assessment and response to public health threats, he added.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Md Yusof said this recently during the 68th World Health Assembly held in Switzerland, attended by representatives of the 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) last May 18.

In his speech, the minister expressed Brunei’s full support towards the assembly’s theme of “Building Resilient Health Systems” as it was timely and relevant to the challenges and health issues facing today’s world, as well as towards WHO’s aspirations and guidelines.

In doing so, he urged for integrated efforts and commitment of WHO member states in jointly achieving health systems which were robust, sustainable, resilient and functional to ensure the health and welfare of whole populations – not just at the national level, but also globally.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Adanan also touched upon the Ebola epidemic, acknowledging that it had been a lesson to other countries about the significance of preparedness, vigilance, responsiveness and strengthening of health systems in effectively addressing any threats to public health, as stated in the International Health Regulations.

In this regard, the Health Minister expressed appreciation to WHO for their guidance, support and technical assistance which had been extended to help Brunei meet the said regulations.

According to a press statement by the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Health Minister earlier also attended the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting 2015 in Geneva on May 1.

Themed “Universal Health Coverage, with an emphasis on ageing and good health”, the meeting had been attended by the 53 Commonwealth member countries, headed by health ministers, senior officers as well as representatives of international agencies.

At the Commonwealth meeting, YB Pehin Dato Hj Adanan noted that countries needed to address the challenge of increasing aged populations (and improving their quality of health and lives) by implementing more holistic “health in all policies”.

This should be done by integrating multi-disciplinary health professionals, with the involvement and cooperation of various sectors, he said.

At the meeting, the 2015 Ministerial Statement was passed, which agreed to enhance cooperation in the health field under the Commonwealth in an effort to strengthen health systems with a focus on achieving universal health coverage.

Under the statement, the Commonwealth countries will also continuously seek to ensure that people are able to access quality healthcare services equitably without financial burden. It also acknowledged that “continued sustainability” is critical, including financial mechanisms of universal healthcare.

Among those accompanying the Minister of Health were Permanent Secretary of Health Datin Paduka Dr Hjh Norlila Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Jalil.

The Brunei Times