RESIDENTS of Mukim Gadong ‘A’ and ‘B’ and nearby areas will now have a one-stop healthcare centre as the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Health Centre was officially opened yesterday by HRH Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah.

Construction began on a 2.56-acre plot of land at an estimated cost of $7.7 million in January 2012 and was completed in April this year.

In a statement by the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan, in the ‘Ristaan Kenangan’ book, the new health centre is one of the projects that upholds the vision of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in prioritising excellent healthcare system for his subjects.

Under the National Healthcare Programme of 2000-2010, one of the strategic goals of the Ministry of Health is enhancing and improving the healthcare system in the country.

The minister also mentioned that under the programme, priority has been given to basic healthcare services because by doing so it has proven to be more effective in terms of resource usage and country’s population.

The centre is also part of the strategic plan and commitment carried out by the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through the Ministry of Health in providing core attention and care in elevating the quality and healthcare services in the country.

One of the commitments is realised by practising the Universal Health Coverage that has been recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Guided by this concept, patients that will be using the clinic will easily have access to treatment in a more comprehensive, holistic, accessible and equitable manner.

The health centre provides several medical services including Outpatient Clinic, Chronic Disease Clinic, Flu Clinic, Emergency Treatment, Women and Child Clinic, Dental Clinic, Dispensary and Pharmacy Services, Medical records, Rehabilitation and Ambulance services etc.

Aside from that, the clinic is also equipped with Blood Sampling Services, Ophthalmologist Community Services, Community Psychology Services and Dietician Services.

The clinic is equipped with the latest facilities and basic amenities.

Healthcare system in the country is very crucial because it serves as a gatekeeper in controlling and preventing chronic diseases through early detection.

It is hoped that the clinic would benefit the residents of Mukim Gadong ‘A’ and ‘B’ and the surrounding areas. - Borneo Bulletin (6 September 2013)