James Kon
Politeknik Brunei (PB) will introduce a new three-year Level 5 Diploma in Health Science (Cardiovascular Technology) programme in January 2021 as well as conduct a Level 5 Diploma in Cardiovascular Nursing programme in the near future following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and PB, Ministry of Education (MoE) at the Women and Children’s Centre, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital yesterday.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar witnessed the signing as the guest of honour.
Deputy Minister of Education and Chairperson of the Board of Governors of PB Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh was also present.
PB Acting Director Alias bin Haji Abu Bakar signed on behalf of PB, witnessed by Head of School of Health Science Armah binti Tengah. Acting Director of Administration and Finance Sufinah binti Haji Serudin represented the MoH, witnessed by Head of Cardiology Unit at RIPAS Hospital Dr Mohd Ezam bin Emran.
The introduction of the new three-year Level 5 Diploma in Cardiovascular Technology is in view of the current need to produce qualified cardiovascular technologists and other specialised healthcare professionals to meet the treatment needs of the population.
The programme will be offered in January 2021 to provide students with the knowledge and technical skills to perform electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests, ambulatory monitoring, echocardiography and work in the cardiac catherisation laboratory and enable students to become qualified professionals in the field to diagnose patients with cardiac conditions.
The Level 5 Diploma is based on Brunei Darussalam qualification framework and is equivalent to a Higher National Diploma (HND).
Dr Mohd Ezam in his opening remarks said, “Through the programme, students will gain valuable experience from clinical placement starting from the first semester.
“The palcement will be at government hospitals as well as the Cardiac Centre of Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC). This means students will receive work exposure at the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. We hope the programme will give students the readiness before heading in to the real work environment in cardiovascular technology.”
The MoU also promotes cooperation in identifying opportunities for the faculty and staff to pursue short term programmes in other institutions, clinical placements, joint conferences and academic programmes.
The admission process will start in February, following the release of ‘O’ Level results. The new intake will commence in July.
This year, PB opened a second admission round which is now open for the 10th intake. The 2020-2021 admission round’s academic session will commence in January.
Senior officials from both ministries as well as officers and doctors were also present.