Answer for Oral Question PL018

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin

YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH ROSMAWATTY BINTI HAJI ABDUL MUMIN asked Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan to state the Ministry's plans for preparing minimum standard guidelines for services offered by private clinics for Persons with Disabilities (OKU), including screening and early assessment, diagnosis, learning intervention and mental health support, as a general reference and guide for parents and guardians.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan

In general, the facilities and operations of private clinics are monitored by the Private Healthcare Institution Unit. In terms of professional credibility, allied health practitioners are subject to the Brunei Darussalam Allied Health Professions Act, Chapter 221. Under this Act, the Allied Health Professions Council is mandated to regulate 19 allied health professions and to ensure that only practitioners who are registered and possess an annual practising certificate are permitted to practise.

The Act also provides for action to be taken against any individual or entity that impersonates a qualified professional or uses a regulated title without valid registration. A fine or imprisonment may be imposed, thereby ensuring that intervention centres do not operate without valid professional verification.

At present, the Ministry has not issued separate specific guidelines for private clinic services for Persons with Disabilities. However, medical practitioners treating OKU patients are responsible for professionally and ethically assessing and addressing the patients' specific needs, in accordance with clinical practice standards. OKU patients are entitled to receive equal treatment with reasonable adjustments based on their individual circumstances and needs.

In terms of physical facilities and infrastructure, private clinics are subject to building regulations and accessibility requirements established by the relevant authorities, including the Building Control and Construction Industry Authority.

The Ministry will continue to encourage healthcare service providers, including the private sector, to ensure an inclusive and OKU-friendly environment, in line with the country's commitment towards equitable access to healthcare for all.

To date, there are no plans to formulate minimum standard guidelines incorporating aspects of mental health support as a general reference for parents and guardians. However, the Ministry welcomes this suggestion and, InsyaAllah, will examine future plans to strengthen support for the OKU community.