James Kon
Despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, over 15,000 government personnel from the 12 ministries have participated in the Workplace and Health (WAH) Health screening programme with over 250 exercise sessions conducted.
This was said by Gleneagles JPMC Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Dr Peter Tay at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Gleneagles JPMC at Tarindak D’Polo of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club yesterday.
The memorandum cements the collaborative venture in the WAH, Happy Environment And Lifestyle (HEAL), and other programmes.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, the guest of honour, witnessed the signing.
Signing the MoU on behalf of the Government 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 was Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the MoH Dr Ang Swee Hui and signing on behalf of Gleneagles JPMC was Dr Peter Tay.
“The WAH programme continues to be the partnership’s focus for this year with the launch of the WAH website, offering an online course aiming to promote health literacy among civil servants,” said Dr Peter Tay in his welcoming remarks.
“In addition, a weight loss programme will also be established to assist participants from selected ministries to achieve a healthy weight and an active lifestyle.“
Another focus this year, he said, is “the Health Promoting School initiative under the other health lifestyle programme”.
“This initiative aims to support and empower selected shools in the country to implement holistic health programmes for the students and school communities. This reflects the values of Gleneagles JPMC’s corporate social responsibility goal of wider outreach of better health and wellness for all.”
The MoU underscores the commitment of both parties to strengthen and coordinate existing and new efforts in promoting a healthy lifestyle, and preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases in Brunei Darussalam.
Following the signing of the MoU, a cheque amounting to BND250,000 was presented to Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham, which will be used to continue and strengthen the three joint venture programmes by both parties.
The WAH programme, launched in 2019, encourages workplaces to provide for and support active lifestyles, healthy eating, smoke-free and promoting good mental well-being.
The WAH website was recently launched to provide information on various health topics, such as the risks of non-communic-able diseases.
Civil servants can access and register an account through whp.gov.bn from next month. In addition, a new weight loss project under the WAH programme will be introduced to six ministries.
The project, named The Fit & Active Lifestyle Club Season 1 (FALC S1), aims to assist the participants achieve a healthy lifestyle.
The HEAL programme will resume this month. Its goal is to organise physical activity interventions in community settings leveraging through partnerships and networking with local stakeholders.
The Health Lifestyle programme covers several projects. The Health Promoting Schools project aims to empower schools to strengthen their health promotion programmes. In addition, in an effort to promote healthy eating, a national salt reduction programme will be planned.
Head of Health Promotion Centre at the MoH Dr Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Kassim and Gleneagles JPMC Chief Operating Officer ‘Izzul Hamzi bin Haji Jomari witnessed the signing.
