Promoting Brunei's Belait Health Services
By Liza Mohd

Kuala Belait - Towards realising the Ministry of Health's vision to create a health conscious population and community free from various diseases and infection, public awareness on health issues should be promoted through various information channels and health education programmes.

This was said by Deputy Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Paduka Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, who yesterday morning officiated the launching of Customers' Day organised for the first time by the Belait District Health Office.

Pehin Hazair, who was the guest of honour, said that the .public could direct questions and obtain clarification on various health services at the Customers' Day. At the same time, the Ministry of Health can improve and increase the quality of its services based on public feedback, he added.

He also encouraged doctors, officials and staff members to practise the four `S' approach when serving customers i.e. "Senyum & Sopan" (Smile and be courteous), "Sapa & Ramah" (Greet and be friendly); "Sempurnakan Sepenuhnya Rawatan Pesakit" (Fully complete patient's treatment) and "Selesaikan Segala Urusan Pelanggan Dengan Memuaskan" (Complete any customer's business with satisfaction).

The Deputy Minister said that the Ministry of Health through its Health Service Section will continue to monitor the spread of epidemic and dangerous infectious diseases. He also confirmed that Brunei Darussalam is still free from bird flu disease l3ut is making action plan preparations. The same applies with the hand-foot-and-mouthdisease, which is still under control, he added.

Pehin Hazair pointed out that the public acts as the "eyes and ears" of the Ministry of Health, as they can provide information about the spread of diseases and unhygienic eateries. He reminded owners of food stalls, to take cleanliness seriously as failing to do so could result in the closure of their shops.

The Deputy Minister also touched on a health voluntarily pilot project, which will be launched in Belait District, as a step to increase the involvement of the public in health promotion.

He explained that volunteers would play an active role in providing awareness to the public on steps to take to prevent the spread of an epidemic or infectious disease. This will also include promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community.

Through this programme, selected participants will be given training in the aspect of health such as steps to take during an emergency. Furthermore, they will also be involved in activities organised by the Ministry of Health such as 'Mukim Health' and `Healthy Lifestyle' programmes.

If the response for the pilot project in Belait is encouraging, it will be extended to other districts, Pehin Hazair said.

As for tackling smoking in the country, the Deputy Minister pointed out that various steps have already been taken including the establishment of a clinic to help people kick the habit. He encouraged smokers to register themselves at the clinic and to join programmes that have been arranged by medical staff.

The Deputy Minister hoped that residents in Belait would make full use of the Customers' Day and visit the Health Office, where there is an exhibition as well as free medical tests to calculate one's Body Mass Index, blood pressure and sugar level.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the event, Dr Hj Azlan bin Hj Jaludin, Senior Medical Officer from Belait District Health Section, touched on the developments of health services in the district.

One of the recent developments is the establishment of a `Stop Smoking' clinic in Belait which first began operations last May to provide treatment and counselling to smokers interested in kicking the habit, he said. The clinic is located at the health school office building in Jalan Raja Isteri, Seria.

The number of inspections carried out at eateries has also been doubled to ensure that food served to the public is safe, Dr Hj Azlan said, adding that joint inspections are actively conducted with related government agencies.

In terms of infrastructure, a new building for the Sungai Liang Health Centre, which costs more than $3 million, is being constructed at the location where the old health centre used to be, he said.

He added that plans were underway to form a weight management clinic. Apart from that, some health promotional programmes will be extended to Mukims in Belait District including remote areas, where meetings will be held with the chiefs and heads of villages.

To increase the involvement of students and the youth, the Belait Health Office plans to organise a Health Youth Camp during the upcoming school term holiday, Dr Hj Azlan said.

The Customers' Day will be held for three days to provide an opportunity for all government agencies and the private sector in Belait including schools to learn more about Brunei's health services. The exhibition will be open to the public from 9-l lam and 2-4pm. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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