Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the Ministry of Health Dr Hajah Rafidah binti Haji Gharif highlighted the critical challenge of Brunei’s ageing population at the 5th Biennial Scientific Meeting of the Orthopaedic Society Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
The event, held at a hotel in Kampong Jerudong, focused on advancing orthopaedic science, education, and trauma care while commemorating World Osteoporosis Day.
Dr Hajah Rafidah said that the Sultanate’s elderly demographic, now constituting 6.9 per cent of the population, faces increased risks of fragility fractures, arthritis, and various health complications. She reported a significant rise in neck of femur fractures, from 12 in 2012 to approximately 80 annually, posing considerable challenges for healthcare providers.
Themed ‘Empowering Your Health Through Mobility’, the event underscored the importance of physical mobility in reducing chronic diseases and enhancing mental well-being.
President of the Orthopaedic Society Brunei Darussalam Dr Haji Md Khairul Azmi bin Haji Abdul Kadir emphasised that mobility not only supports physical health but also mitigates the risks of depression and anxiety.
The scientific meeting attracted over 300 healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, allied health professionals, and nurses from both public and private sectors.
Speakers, both local and international, shared the latest developments in orthopaedic practices, including advances in minimally invasive surgeries, fracture management and the growing need for joint replacements due to increased longevity.
Dr Hajah Rafidah also commended the Orthopaedic Department’s evolution since 1992, now managing nearly 22,000 outpatient cases annually across three hospitals. She acknowledged ongoing challenges in high-demand orthopaedic care driven by road traffic accidents, sports injuries, and the needs of an ageing population.
Additionally, the Orthopaedic Society Brunei Darussalam launched its first official social media platform on Instagram to enhance public engagement and promote awareness of orthopaedic health. The event provided Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, reinforcing the society’s commitment to ongoing professional growth in the field. – Fadley Faisal
