Brunei Darussalam is one of the countries in Western Pacific region with high universal health coverage (UHC) offering strong health system, based on comprehensive basic healthcare and channelled through effective community services, that covers every corner of the country, comparable with developed countries such as Japan and Singapore.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said this in a message to mark World Health Day.
“The government’s investment in ensuring quality healthcare for all people in the country has proven effective through health status achievements according to indications outlined under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as child mortality rate, immunisation coverage for children, access to medicine and treatment as well as investment in prevention and recovery programmes,” said the minister.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said World Health Day is celebrated every April 7 with different themes. This year, it is themed ‘My Health, My Right’.
“The theme focuses on health threats currently experienced by millions of people globally, including the increase in diseases and calamities causing death and disability such as air pollution, political conflicts, hunger and high level of mental or psychological stress,” he said.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution has caused worrying death rate of around one every five seconds. The continued burning of fossil fuels and high carbon emissions have polluted the planet and gradually rob people of their right to live life without pollution,” said the minister.
He also said, “Health is a basic right of each individual. Everyone has the right to get quality, good and easy access to health services – anytime and anywhere – without being burdened with financial constraints. UHC principle thus promises financial protection and access to health services that can prevent the occurrence of poverty in the community, promoting family and community well-being as well as protect against public health crises.”
The WHO Council on the Economics of Health For All said at least 140 countries have agreed that health is a basic human right but it is not practised through enforcement to ensure the people have access to the services.
“At least 4.5 billion people, or more than of the world population, did not have full access to basic and essential health services in 2021,” said Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham, adding that this year’s theme, ‘My Health, My Right’ aims to fight for the rights to obtain healthcare and education as well as access to clean and safe water, clean air, nutritious food, quality housing, good working environment and discrimination free life.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham believes UHC “provides a ray of hope towards equality as it has principles that ensure no one is denied access to healthcare”.
He added, “To achieve UHC is not about expanding coverage but transforming the healthcare system, which requires innovative approaches, strong policies and regulations and sustainable investment to meet evolving needs of the people of Brunei and also around the world.”
The minister concluded by calling for the renewal of commitment to justice and equality in health and collaboration across sectors as well as boundaries to develop an inclusive health system without discrimination.
“The healthcare that we provided to the people and the population is not only a moral duty, it is a strategic investment for the future. By providing access to healthcare, we are able to highlight human potential, stimulate economic growth and build a robust and inclusive society and inclusive.” – James Kon
