Brunei's Ministry of Health commits to stronger primary healthcare as decentralisation marks 25 years
The minister said, 'Today marks the 25th anniversary of the implementation of the basic health services decentralisation policy in Brunei Darussalam, which is a turning point in the history of the progress and development of the public service, especially for the MoH and has driven major changes in the health system in the country.'
He said, 'Alhamdulillah, with the wise and transparent leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the initiative was consented to in 2000 with the objective of bringing health services closer to the citizens and residents of this country, making them accessible, affordable and of quality, regardless of location or individual background.'
Primary healthcare services, he mentioned, 'are the first contact between the health service and the community. Therefore, this service has the capacity to use a holistic approach through multidisciplinary expertise, especially in the management and control of chronic diseases, while further strengthening the prevention aspect by promoting healthy lifestyles and early disease screening'.
The development of infrastructure based on the one stop centre concept, which is also in line with the Millennium Development Goals and now the Sustainable Development Goals, he said, 'has made it easier for citizens and residents to receive comprehensive primary health services and has thus raised the level of achievement of Brunei Darussalam among the World Health Organization countries with a high universal health coverage Index'.
In line with Brunei Vision 2035, he pointed out, 'Primary healthcare will continue to be a key pillar in the healthcare system in Brunei Darussalam, which has been proven to be more cost-effective, efficient, and safe towards producing a healthier community and generation with a high quality of life.'
Throughout the 25 years of this policy's implementation, various significant achievements have been made, such as expanded access with the establishment of health centres and clinics in strategic and planned locations, in line with the increasing number and health needs of citizens and residents since decentralisation was implemented.
The provision of infrastructure and facilities for primary health services under the National Development Plan, he explained, 'is growing and designed in accordance with the development of medical technology and professional skills in providing more sophisticated and effective services'.
He also shared, 'As we look back on this 25-year journey, we also do not forget the role and contribution of all parties involved since the beginning, including the persistence and perseverance of policymakers and planners who founded the changes in the health system, the commitment and sacrifice of health professionals and workers supporting the implementation of the decentralisation policy, and also other stakeholders consisting of government agencies and the community, especially grassroots leaders and the community itself, who also contributed to the successful implementation of the decentralisation of basic health services in this country.'
The minister continued, 'We move forward with full commitment to the principle of 'Health for All', for the well-being of the citizens and future generations. This is the time for the MoH to renew its commitment to providing a stronger, more accessible, equitable and people-centred health system which can be accomplished with effective and sustainable innovations such as the use of digital technology in the provision of primary healthcare services and empowering the community to be more knowledgeable and involved in healthcare.' - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
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