Minister asks 'runaway' scholars to return home

THE Minister of Health yesterday entered the fray over absentee government scholarship students by urging them to return to Brunei to serve their country.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof highlighted the problem of runaway scholars, many of whom have received funding for costly medical degrees, in his opening address at the inaugural Brunei Medical Association (BMA) conference .

Citing a recent titah by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the minister reiterated the government's disappointment with those who had accepted education grants but did not honour their commitment to use their skills to benefit Brunei's development.

"I would like to urge and remind all health professionals especially doctors, dentists, health officers, medical and dental students, as well as their parents and families to uphold and respect the titah and wish of our beloved Sultan to return home and serve this country and our people," he said.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Adanan pointed out that the government had spent millions of dollars investing in the country's human resources, especially in training Bruneians to be doctors and dentists.

"At the same time, I would like to urge all health professionals, including doctors and dentists, to continuously serve the government and contribute to the nation to enhance the high quality of health care," he said. He pointed out that the BMA has fewer than 100 members and that the country is in need of more local talent, particularly in specialist healthcare.

"We should not think solely of our own self-interest, but we must give priority to the interests of the public and well-being of our nation," said the minister, echoing His Majesty's titah in which the Sultan accused runaway scholars of being unpatriotic.

The minister explained that planning and implementation of professional development for effective and sustainable healthcare requires the cooperation of integrated multiple agencies in the country.

"We are very fortunate and grateful to Allah SWT that the government provides scholarship opportunities for local students who are qualified ... to study in the field of medicine and health; to pursue their postgraduate career and specialist level through in-service training," he said.

Recognising the rapid advances globally in the healthcare sector, the Health Ministry encourages healthcare professionals to keep abreast of the latest advances in technique and knowledge, the minister said.

Apart from in-service short-term training, learning opportunities also come from conferences, seminars and workshops either abroad or through the ministry's Continuing Professional Development Unit, he said.

Currently, there are 37 doctors and dentists undergoing Advanced Specialist Training in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Germany, Australia and Singapore, among other countries.

"I expect new ideas and innovative procedures to emerge amongst you, especially those who have succeeded in their specialist training, in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of our healthcare service in our country," YB Pehin Dato Hj Adanan said.

Earlier this year, the minister said that up to 12 doctors would face legal action for failing to report for duty by fulfilling their obligations to the government.

Meanwhile, it was reported last year that 20 medical scholarship students refused to return to Brunei.

The minister said a "stop list" containing the names of these students would be distributed to border control posts to catch the runaway scholars.

The Brunei Times