Minister: Ensuring People’s Access to Healthcare Services to Achieve Universal Health Coverage

(Bandar Seri Begawan, 19th) Health Minister Dato Ehsan reiterated that the Brunei government is committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by establishing a healthcare system that ensures people have access to medical services without causing them financial burden.
However, like most other Commonwealth member states, Brunei faces numerous challenges such as rising medical costs, changing demographics, increased burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the growing demand for specialized services.
The Minister made this statement during the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM37) held in Geneva, Switzerland, on Saturday.
The Minister noted that Brunei will continue to strengthen its primary healthcare system, practice the "Health in All Policies" approach, and explore innovative financing mechanisms that can complement the public health system without compromising equity.
The Minister stated that the government will continue to invest in health human resources by planning and providing training opportunities and utilizing digital health solutions technology to improve efficiency, improve service accessibility, and improve patient treatment outcomes.
The meeting focused on strengthening health systems to ensure equitable access to health services for member states, in line with the theme "Investing in Health: Sustainable Financing to Build Equitable Communities." Sustainable health system financing is crucial for building resilient systems that promote long-term socio-economic growth.
Discussions emphasized that investments in healthcare should not be viewed as merely an expense but as a vital foundation for national progress.
The meeting also highlighted that funding shortages could hinder the achievement of universal health coverage and health-related sustainable development goals.
To address these challenges, discussions turned to innovative financing models and approaches, requiring a more integrated approach to strengthening health systems based on primary healthcare and public health.

Key challenges discussed included non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, climate change adaptability and health system adaptive initiatives, investing in prevention to support healthy aging, and leveraging digital technology to promote equity.
In addition, the meeting proposed a Commonwealth-wide commitment to sustainable and equitable health financing and strengthened global action in the fields of non-communicable diseases and mental health.
These commitments will help guide investments that will aid in building and strengthening the capacity of health systems as part of the core package of health services and provide a platform for sharing progress on this theme at the next high-level meeting.

Schools and students will be selected randomly based on the WHO's recommended Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) statistical methods.
The TAS procedure is quick and safe, carried out by trained and experienced healthcare professionals. Blood collection is done via fingertip, similar to a blood glucose test, with results available within 20 to 30 minutes.
The Ministry of Health urges parents, guardians, and the public to fully cooperate to ensure that the survey and project are implemented smoothly and successfully.