The Ministry of Health (MoH) has reopened in-patient services for obstetrics and gynaecology at the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (PMMPMHAMB) Hospital in Tutong.
Reversing a decision it made last November, MoH has reinstated obstetrical services and facilities at the hospital, meaning women living in Tutong will no longer have to travel to Bandar Seri Begawan or Kuala Belait to give birth.
In a statement issued earlier today, the ministry said services have been fully operational since December 5, providing women in the district with the necessary services, expertise and facilities related to maternal healthcare and childbirth.
However, pregnant women who are unable to have a natural birth; women with complications during pregnancy; or a history of previous pregnancies that required specialist care, will still be referred to the Women and Children Centre at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital for further treatment.
Last year, the ministry decided to transfer delivery of babies and non-emergency labour cases from the Tutong hospital to either the RIPAS Hospital or Suri Seri Begawan Hospital in Kuala Belait. Even though those services were transferred out, maternal healthcare clinics still operated as normal at PMMPMHAMB Hospital.
For more information, the ministry encouraged the public to visit their website or call the Darussalam Hotline at 123.