The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday launched the Health Index and Risk Assessment features on the BruHealth app during a press conference at the ministry’s Al-‘Afiah Hall.
Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Pengiran Dr Noor Azmi bin Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad said the Health Index allows users to receive information about their health status by incorporating data from electronic health records and self-reported questionnaires covering basic demographics, lifestyles, physical health, mental health, diet and physical activity.
Users are required to complete the questionnaires on the app, and their Health Index will be categorised into three levels – healthy, at risk or poor. Users will also receive personalised health advice and recommendations based on their health status, such as relaxation techniques, physical activity, and healthy eating tips.
Meanwhile, Consultant Head of Primary Healthcare at the Department of Health Services Dr Haji Zulhilmi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdullah said that the Risk Assessment feature is a digital health screening tool for the National Health Screening Programme.
It follows the MoH’s Screening Guidelines on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – November 2019 Edition. According to the national guideline, all adults aged 40 and above are recommended to undergo annual cardiovascular risk screening, while all adults aged 50 and above are recommended to take the FIT stool test to screen for colorectal cancer every two years.
Through the BruHealth app, the public can take a questionnaire to determine if they should undergo screening based on their responses.
“If screening is recommended, users can directly book an appointment through the app. The appointment slot selection, payment, and confirmation process can be completed within the BruHealth app, eliminating the need for physical payment at the health centre.
“If a user is recommended for screening for both cardiovascular risk and colorectal cancer, they can undergo screening for both diseases in a single appointment, requiring only one payment.”
He added that the new features aim to provide individuals with a digital tool to assess their health status, receive personalised recommendations, and conveniently book and manage health screening appointments.
Dr Haji Zulhilmi and Pengiran Dr Noor Azmi as Co-Chief Medical Information Officer were joined by Acting Director of Healthcare Technology Rudy bin Haji Harun at the press conference. – Rokiah Mahmud
