Kota kinabalu: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is enhancing Sabah's healthcare system through substantial infrastructure investments, digital advancements, logistical innovations, and an increase in workforce, aiming to improve access to health services for residents in remote areas and islands.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized the need for these initiatives, given Sabah's geographical and logistical challenges, as well as the ongoing burden of non-communicable and infectious diseases. The government has earmarked RM1.56 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) for 53 health development projects across the state. These include 32 physical projects for new hospitals and clinics and 21 projects focused on digitalizing healthcare and procuring modern medical equipment.
Speaking at the 'Program Bual Bicara Bersama Menteri Kesihatan' at INTAN Sabah Campus, Dzulkefly highlighted the refurbishment of 132 dilapidated clinics in Sabah by 2025 with RM75.5 million funding under the Bitara MADANI initiative. Plans for 2026 include phasing the redevelopment of 46 more clinics. The state's health budget is projected to grow by five percent annually, potentially reaching RM4 billion by 2030.
Recent visits to district hospitals prompted the MOH to approve RM4.3 million in immediate funds, including RM988,000 for Tambunan Hospital and RM1.279 million for Ranau Hospital, along with four new ambulances, and RM2.01 million to upgrade Kota Belud Hospital's outpatient unit.
Dzulkefly also announced a pilot project for drone delivery of medicines in Tawau by late 2026 to expedite medical supply deliveries to hard-to-reach locations. Health digitalization remains a priority, with 88 percent of patients now receiving screening and treatment within an hour. The Cloud-Based Clinic Management System (CCMS) is expanding, and all primary dental clinics in Sabah have adopted digital records through the Dental Information System.
The government aims to fully digitalize the national health ecosystem by 2030, advancing the 'One Individual, One Record' vision. Cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) aims to accelerate primary digital integration from 2045 to early 2027. E-Health services, integrated with the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), provide virtual consultations for remote residents.
Despite these advancements, manpower shortages remain a significant challenge, with a job filling rate of 88.51 percent and 3,557 vacancies. Sabah's healthcare is currently supported by 2,546 doctors, 549 specialists, and 10,164 nurses. Sabah often serves as a temporary training ground, with more personnel transferring out than arriving. In 2025, only 12 medical specialists were assigned to Sabah, while 57 transferred out. For pharmacists, 174 arrived, but 115 left.
To address this, the MOH-Public Service Department Workforce Management Task Force was established in April 2026, followed by the MOH-Ministry of Higher Education Joint Committee in June 2026.