MALAYSIA and Brunei have agreed to simplify the procedure of cross-border checking of patients during medical emergencies, said Malaysian Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said an average of 120 cases of cross-border patients were recorded per year, mainly involving those who lived in Limbang, Sarawak, who had been referred to Miri for treatment.
Malaysians staying in Limbang would have to pass through Brunei to get to Miri.
Hence, he said, the decision was made to ensure that the patients could get their treatment immediately, without having to face the difficulty of cross-border checking.
"As we know, a lot of Malaysians stay in Limbang and, to go to Miri, they have to pass through Brunei. So, both countries agreed to simplify the procedure of cross-border checking," he told reporters after the 5th Bilateral Meeting of Health Ministers of Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, here. Also present was Brunei Darussalam's Health Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Md Yusof. Liow said a standard operating procedure (SOP) would be prepared and 24-hour reachable officers would be appointed by either ministry for the purpose.
On another matter, Liow said both parties also agreed to venture into new areas of cooperation, including health tourism.
He said Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council committee members would work closely with officials from Brunei in discussing attractive packages.
"We'd like to offer packages so that more Brunei patients will come to Malaysia," he said.
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