indicating that this target is unlikely to be met. Part of the goal also stipulates that 100 per cent of births must be attended by a skilled health professional. In the period 2007–12 this figure stood at 100 per cent, so this target has already been achieved. MDG 6 aims for a reduction in the prevalence of HIV, malaria and other diseases. Malaria has already been eradicated in the country. Estimated TB incidence and mortality (when mortality data excludes cases comorbid with HIV) have remained roughly the same since 1990. There is insufficient data from international agencies to confirm the country’s progress on this goal for HIV/AIDS. Significant improvements would have to have been made to target TB prevention and enhance treatment if this goal is to be achieved. For definitions, sources and explanations on the Millennium Development Goals see page 314. Universal health coverage Just eight per cent of health care in Brunei was paid for by patients or funded by other non-governmental entities – such as private insurers, charities or employers – in 2012. Total health expenditure constituted 2.3 per cent of GDP in 2012, of which 92 per cent (US$862 per capita) was covered by the government. Brunei Darussalam boasts one of the highest-quality publicly run health care systems in the world. Medical care is provided free of charge to all citizens. Foreign nationals working in the country are entitled to health care at a small cost. There are public hospitals located in each of the country’s four districts, the biggest of which is Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha in Bandar Seri Begawan. There are also two private hospitals for those who have private medical insurance. The government-funded Flying Medical Services division helps ensure medical care is available to those in remote areas by airlifting any citizens who require emergency medical assistance to the nearest hospital if they live in remote rural villages. On occasion, the government has funded the expense of sending citizens abroad for special medical treatments. While access to health care in Brunei is already very good, the government is continuously working to keep improving the health provision and government funding for health care is considered to be an important investment in the country’s future. To this end, in February 2015 the Minister of Health attended the universal health coverage (UHC) ministerial meeting in Singapore, which resulted in a consensus among ministers to tackle the challenges posed by the demographic trends among the elderly to ensure that UHC remains sustainable and adaptable. B r u n e i D a r u s s a l am Brunei Darussalam is not a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the covenant that commits signees to the ensuring ‘the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. Care of the elderly: Around 18,000 people in Brunei Darussalam are over the age of 65 – four per cent of the total population (2013). At the age of 60, a person living in Botswana can be expected to live for an additional 21 years on average. Brunei Darussalam’s old-age allowance dates back to 1984. Today, monthly pension credits are paid by the state at a rate of US$201 per person (2007–12) on a universal basis. Over the past decade the government has been heavily involved in catering to the needs of the elderly in society. This began in 2005 with the setting up of the Homecare Program for Older Persons. This was followed by the establishment of the National Council of Social Issues in 2008, which is responsible for developing policies and action plans regarding social care of the elderly. Population over 65 More recently, the government released the Plan of Actions for Older Persons and People with Disabilities (2011), which addresses keys issues faced by the country’s ageing population, including access to health care and housing, as well as planning for social protection and recreational facilities. This has led to the setting up of a government-run activity and support centre for the elderly in 2013. Elderly citizens are entitled to free health care as citizens of Brunei. Further information Ministry of Health: www.moh.gov.bn Commonwealth Health Online: www.commonwealth health.org/health/asia/brunei_darussalam Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015 157 4%
Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
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