Geneva: Brunei Darussalam remains committed to Universal Health Coverage through a health system that ensures access to health services without financial burden to its citizens. This commitment was articulated by the Minister of Health during the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 17, 2025.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohamad Isham bin Haji Jaafar acknowledged that, like many other Commonwealth nations, Brunei faces challenges such as rising healthcare costs, demographic shifts, increasing non-communicable diseases, and a growing demand for specialist services.
The meeting convened Health Ministers, representatives, and senior officials from across the Commonwealth to discuss collaborative efforts in developing innovative and sustainable healthcare financing. Discussions centered on fortifying health systems and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, resonating with the meeting's theme, 'Investing in Health: Sustainable Financing for an Equitable Commonwealth'. The meeting concluded with an agreement to endorse the Meeting Statement, which encompassed key policies, recommendations, and commitments by Commonwealth member countries. The Minister of Health also met with Her Excellency Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the newly appointed Commonwealth Secretariat-General.