A Neutral Outlook on H1N1

It’s amazing how people tend to create an outburst about the flaws of MOH. But, how many of us have actually taken the time to reflect ‘rationally’ on the efforts to contain the spread of H1N1 well before there was a reported case locally? Has anyone even reflected on the complexities or the impact on other multi-sartorial agencies with every action that has to be undertaken?

I am sure all the criticisms forwarded have been looked into positively by the concerned people. Every day, I can see improvements being made to smooth out the workflow/procedure may it be the screening or the actual management for those identified as positive cases. To reach the perfection that most of the public warrant will not be attainable overnight. For that, we have to be a little bit more patient. Attempting to impose these ‘changes’ also requires MONEY and MANPOWER.

Decisions have to made wisely so as not to compromise other services operationally by channeling the budget and people ‘recklessly’ for the sake of satisfying pointed flaws. Henceforth, what may seem a slow action for the public is in actual fact a paramount milestone that necessitates deep contemplation. We Bruneians are very demanding when it comes to seeking treatment. All have to be perfect and fast, complete with towering ‘privileges’. True we have our rights as Brunei residents or downright basic of a human being expecting to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect, but sometimes we (although not all of us) are just not being sensible with our ‘requests’. Why are we more sane and patient when seeking treatment overseas? Is it because we do not have the so-called power there?

Nevertheless, I am 100% certain that everyone concerned is trying their very best to satisfy and thus, rectify whatever imperfection that has been commented. I am, however, delighted of the public’s proposal to extend the school holidays. Hopefully, this notion could be considered. Here again is a good example of reviewing the original decision of not closing down the schools. I am also sure that MOE have their grounds of adhering to this action. Teachers and students are placed at risk by doing so. The public has even highlighted the fact of ‘why the blame should be placed on teachers’. If MOE has been more proactive, this issue may not have surfaced. Now both the MOE and MOH are being slapped on the wrist indirectly. H1N1 info has been available for quite some time now. I am confused of why some people are articulating that there is a lacking in this. I support the restrictions of info released as too much info freedom can result in unnecessary panic. There are pros and cons of knowing too much or otherwise, too little. Health advisories have function adequately and are in correspondence to that mentioned repeatedly by the previous Head of Disease Control Division.

Most of us now also know there is a rise in H1N1 cases; the media has done an excellent job of conveying this. This info surely is obtained from the appropriate authorities. So, why are some people condemning that MOH is not being transparent? Let me stress that there is an importance of releasing the right info rather than for the sake of ‘merely releasing’ an info. Word of mouth (plus SMSing) is a huge thing here in Brunei. Most of the times, facts get diluted and carelessly distorted. Regardless of many negative comments on MOH, I wish to express my utmost gratitude of all the efforts that has been done or ‘in the pipeline’ of being implemented.

Last but not least, thank you to all those whom have posted their dissatisfaction of the services rendered to them for these pointers have helped to better the MOH system in one way or another.