BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — On the 3rd of February 2024, the Brunei Darussalam National Health Laboratory System (BDNHLS) was officially launched, marking a significant stride towards enhancing laboratory services in the country. The ceremony was held at Dewan Al'-Afiah, Ministry of Health, and was organized in collaboration with the Department of Laboratory Services and the Department of Scientific Services, Ministry of Health, and the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Minister of Health, the BDNHLS focuses on key areas such as achieving excellence, ensuring customer satisfaction, and fostering continuous quality improvement. The system's initial phase will concentrate on strengthening the information sharing mechanism and laboratory expertise through the Joint National Taskforce for Zoonotic Diseases and establishing a national mechanism for laboratory licensing based on existing laws. The BDNHLS, inaugurated by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, is grounded in international regulations and the International Health Regulations (IHR) assessment of 2019. Its establishment represents a comprehensive approach to bolstering the national laboratory system, aimed at creating a quality, safe, and trustworthy laboratory infrastructure that aligns with Brunei's health priorities and the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.