(Bandar Seri Begawan, 3rd) Cardiovascular disease remains one of the main causes of death in Brunei, with an estimated 572 deaths expected in 2024, over half of which are attributed to premature mortality.
According to national hospital data, from 2020 to 2024, the number of admissions related to heart conditions increased by 33%, rising from 1,355 in 2020 to 1,799 in 2024. The main reasons for this surge in admissions are ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Minister of Health Dato Isham made these remarks yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Brunei Cardiac Society, held at the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC).
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Rafidah, attended the opening ceremony as the guest of honor and delivered the Minister's speech on his behalf.
“The upward trend in heart-related hospital admissions not only reflects improved diagnostic levels and the increased accessibility of healthcare services,”
She said, “It also points to the worrying trend of these non-communicable risk factors, with primary hypertension now affecting over 84,000 people and growing by 5% annually; type 2 diabetes affecting 44,500 patients and increasing steadily by 6% each year; and obesity on the rise, now affecting 12,000 people, with the national prevalence increasing from 28% in 2016 to 32.4%.”
At Gleneagles JPMC Hospital, she reported: “Last year there were 1,198 recorded inpatient cases, with 752 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and 206 surgical procedures. Notably, the average length of hospital stay increased from 3.7 days in 2020 to 6.5 days in 2024. This 75% rise indicates that admitted patients are experiencing more complex conditions, requiring longer hospitalizations.”
She emphasized that overall healthcare expenditure for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing each year, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies and risk reduction programs.
“Prevention remains our strongest line of defense. Through nationwide health screenings and the National Health Screening Program, we are now providing cardiovascular risk screening across the country, mainly targeting adults for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity assessments.”
She also highlighted the role of digital health platforms such as BruHealth, noting that “the Health Index platform allows users to view their own health scores, which integrate both lifestyle and biometric data.
The platform also provides risk factor assessments for diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, helping users monitor cardiovascular risks in real time. This digital ecosystem is part of our broader ‘Healthy Brunei Vision’.
She said that cardiovascular disease remains a huge challenge, but it can be overcome through cooperation, innovation, and prevention.
According to national hospital data, from 2020 to 2024, the number of admissions related to heart conditions increased by 33%, rising from 1,355 in 2020 to 1,799 in 2024. The main reasons for this surge in admissions are ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Minister of Health Dato Isham made these remarks yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Brunei Cardiac Society, held at the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC).
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Rafidah, attended the opening ceremony as the guest of honor and delivered the Minister's speech on his behalf.
“The upward trend in heart-related hospital admissions not only reflects improved diagnostic levels and the increased accessibility of healthcare services,”
She said, “It also points to the worrying trend of these non-communicable risk factors, with primary hypertension now affecting over 84,000 people and growing by 5% annually; type 2 diabetes affecting 44,500 patients and increasing steadily by 6% each year; and obesity on the rise, now affecting 12,000 people, with the national prevalence increasing from 28% in 2016 to 32.4%.”
At Gleneagles JPMC Hospital, she reported: “Last year there were 1,198 recorded inpatient cases, with 752 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and 206 surgical procedures. Notably, the average length of hospital stay increased from 3.7 days in 2020 to 6.5 days in 2024. This 75% rise indicates that admitted patients are experiencing more complex conditions, requiring longer hospitalizations.”
She emphasized that overall healthcare expenditure for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing each year, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies and risk reduction programs.
“Prevention remains our strongest line of defense. Through nationwide health screenings and the National Health Screening Program, we are now providing cardiovascular risk screening across the country, mainly targeting adults for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity assessments.”
She also highlighted the role of digital health platforms such as BruHealth, noting that “the Health Index platform allows users to view their own health scores, which integrate both lifestyle and biometric data.
The platform also provides risk factor assessments for diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, helping users monitor cardiovascular risks in real time. This digital ecosystem is part of our broader ‘Healthy Brunei Vision’.
She said that cardiovascular disease remains a huge challenge, but it can be overcome through cooperation, innovation, and prevention.