Daniel Lim
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar marked a momentous occasion as Suri Seri Begawan Hospital (SSBH) celebrated its five decades of history in providing health services to the residents of Belait District with its 50th anniversary celebration.
Held at the hospital’s multi-purpose hall, the minister was welcomed by the hospital’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Mohamad Alikhan bin Haji Mohd Yakop, who gave a short opening speech.
He outlined how the hospital has evolved since its establishment back on October 3, 1972, during which many advancements were made in terms of healthcare, medical services, as well as infrastructure, which ensure that residents receive the best healthcare services.
“SSBH will continue to expand and perfect the services that we provide to achieve one of the goals of Brunei Vision 2035, which is to provide a quality and healthy lifestyles,” he said.
Mohamad Alikhan also outlined various events conducted in conjunction with the hospital’s anniversary, including a cancer awareness talk, a Family Carnival Day filled with activities such as a cyclethon and fun run, and activities that promote health, such as blood donation campaign, health screening and dental screening.
He highlighted that the hospital currently houses 222 hospital beds and that 621 staff members are working at the hospital’s many departments and divisions.
Meanwhile, the minister marked the hospital’s 50th anniversary by looking back at the achievements made by the hospital.
“Over the course of these five decades, we have seen several milestones and achievements made. They include the expansion of the clinic services in various areas of expertise, as well as clinical and diagnostic services.”
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham also took the opportunity to look to the future as he hoped that all medical officers and staff will continue to strive towards improving the quality of healthcare services that the hospital provides.
The celebration continued with the minister officiating the occasion by launching a video of the hospital’s medical officers and staff sharing their experience of working at the hospital over the years.This was followed by the handing of several awards by the minister, including the excellence award to five medical officers from various departments of the hospital.
Meanwhile, 10 received the long service award, with assistant nurse Hamidah binti Haji Harry receiving an award for being the longest serving officer, at 39 years.
The celebration also acknowledged the efforts of the district’s residents, especially those who had donated blood to the blood bank.
One of the top five recipients of the award, Haji Omar bin Haji Sukor has donated blood 123 times. Ten representatives from companies and agencies also received awards for their support for the hospital over the years.
The minister cut a cake to mark the occasion, before touring the various booths and stalls in the main building of the hospital set up as part of the celebration.
The booths and stalls will run for one week, where visitors can partake in games and activities as well as view booths that showcase the healthcare services provided by the hospital.
