Diabetes and high blood pressure are no longer diseases that are affecting the senior citizens. Nowadays in Brunei, young people aged 20-30 years and even children are susceptible to these diseases, said Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, the Minister of Health during a dialogue session yesterday. The dialogue session was held with members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) at the Women and Children Centre of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.

"Brunei is still facing challenges from non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. These five diseases are the main cause of death in the country. Obesity rate in Brunei is the highest in the Asean region. As the situation is so alarming, the ministry is striving to give the best service in meeting customers' high expectation in tandem with the social and economic development in the country," added the minister.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi also highlighted on the three pillar strategies of the ministry towards realising its vision 'Together towards a Healthy Nation'. This includes introducing the idea that health is everyone's business; preventing non-communicable diseases; and delivering excellence through consolidation and realignment of healthcare services to give value-added services to the public, reducing wastage.

"Changing the culture may take time, and we should do it step by step. For instance, from today, we could start cultivating healthy behaviours such as stopping smoking and eating wisely and moderately by ensuring that at least half-a-plate of fruits and vegetables, a quarter of carbohydrates like rice and another quarter of proteins like fish, meat or egg in the diet.”

"We should also carry out sports activities five times a week and at least 30 minutes a day, which will have a positive high impact on our future health," added the minister.

Shortly after, a briefing on the challenges and development of the healthcare system as well as the latest efforts undertaken by the MoH were held. Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin, the Permanent Secretary at the MoH; Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy) at the MoH; and Dr Hajah Maslina binti Haji Mohsin, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the MoH led the briefing.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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