Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar yesterday highlighted the significant impact of technological advancements on the healthcare industry, including clinical laboratory sciences, during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 18th ASEAN Conference of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ACCLS). He emphasised that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition towards Industrial Revolution 4.0, driving rapid transformation in the sector.
As healthcare demands evolve, with increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases and an ageing population, the minister stressed the importance of adopting new diagnostic testing methods and smart technologies. These innovations enable faster, more accurate and higher-quality results, leading to improved interventions and treatment outcomes.
Brunei, he said, is fortunate to have a progressive healthcare system prioritising innovation and patient-centric care. The Ministry of Health’s strategic investments in next-generation diagnostic tools, data analytics and digital health systems are crucial for delivering world-class healthcare services.
However, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham also cautioned about the ethical implications, data privacy concerns and regulatory challenges associated with technological advancements. Striking a balance between innovation and responsible technology use is essential. To further accelerate the adoption of technological developments, the minister underscored the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs). These collaborations between the public and private sectors can leverage expertise, resources and agility to develop and deploy innovative laboratory solutions.
In line with Brunei Vision 2035, PPP initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life, create job opportunities and provide an efficient public service. The minister encouraged local companies to actively explore PPPs opportunities to improve not only laboratory services but also overall healthcare delivery.
By harnessing the strengths of both the government and private sectors, PPPs can significantly improve the quality, efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services, ultimately benefiting the community and driving economic prosperity, said Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham. – James Kon
