A memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Japan’s Osaka University for training of health professionals, including short-term training for gastroenterology and general surgery, was proposed during Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar’s working visit to the university in Osaka, Japan on Tuesday.
The minister’s visit is a follow up to a discussion between MoH with Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru and Osaka University.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham also paid a courtesy call to Japan’s Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Kaizo Takemi as well as visited Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and health facilities.
Both sides discussed health development issues, implementation of national and global health programme and best practices particularly in healthy ageing as both nations face similar burdens of non-communicable diseases and rapidly ageing population.
The Bruneian delegation also learnt about sustainable healthcare financing model in Japan which proved effective in ensuring universal health coverage.
The minister also met President of Osaka University Shojiro Nishio and other stakeholders, including dean of school of medicine and director of Osaka University Hospital, to discuss best practices in healthcare and effective treatment.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the Ministry of Health Dr Ang Swee Hui and Brunei Darussalam Ambassador to Japan Haji Shahbudin bin Haji Musa as well as MoH officers were also present. – James Kon
