Response to Written Question PT20

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📖 Reading time: 3 minutes
📊 Word count: 423 words

YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH ROSMAWATTY BINTI HAJI ABDUL MUMIN

QUESTION:

Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin asks the Minister of Health to state the steps taken by the MOH to ensure the development of private clinics while maintaining high and balanced service standards. This aligns with the introduction of health insurance for foreigners and the rapid growth of private clinics in the country. The Ministry also needs to monitor service standards and ensure they contribute to the national economy and provide employment opportunities for local citizens.

YANG BERHORMAT MENTERI KESIHATAN

ANSWER:

The first private medical clinic in Negara Brunei Darussalam began operations in 1976, followed by a second clinic in 1978. As of early 2025, a total of 54 private medical clinics in three districts in Negara Brunei Darussalam have been registered. The increase in the number of private medical clinics in the country showed a significant rise in 2024, with a 15% increase from 47 to 54 private medical clinics.

Through the acts and regulations in force and the policies issued by the Ministry of Health, the establishment of private medical clinics can be monitored. In line with the rapid development of their establishment and the variety of services provided, the Ministry of Health has developed a draft law, namely the Private Healthcare Institutions Order (PHIO). This order aims to control the establishment, licensing, and quality of services provided at all private healthcare institutions in Negara Brunei Darussalam. To implement this order, a unit was established in June 2020, the Private Healthcare Institutions Unit under the Boards Management Office, Ministry of Health. Pending the gazettement of this order, administrative registration has been carried out by this unit for each newly established private healthcare institution.

Medical practitioners working in private clinics must be registered with professional regulatory bodies under the Ministry of Health. Each professional regulatory body has specific requirements, standards, and criteria to ensure that each practitioner is qualified to be registered and permitted to provide healthcare services in the country.

The recruitment of local workers in the private sector must follow the process set by the Employment Centre Brunei. Any job registered and advertised through Employment Centre Brunei is based on the job adaptation required by employers. Foreign workers will only be considered if there are no qualified local citizens to fill the vacant positions. The importance of the private sector and its contribution is reflected in Brunei's GDP for Health services, reported at BND$105,464,000 million in September 2024. This marks an increase from the previous amount, which was BND$64,686,000 million for June 2024.