Sabah healthcare undergoes reform to address specialist shortages

The Malaysian government is implementing a multi-pronged strategy to address healthcare challenges and specialist shortages in Sabah. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced a dual approach involving the rotation of specialists to rural areas and the placement of resident specialists in hospitals in towns such as Kota Marudu and Beaufort. The ministry aims to empower the Sandakan and Tawau medical clusters to match the service levels of Kota Kinabalu within three to five years.

To reduce congestion in public hospitals, the Hospital Services Outsourcing Programme (HSOP) is being expanded to the private sector, covering 15 critical services including dialysis, diagnostic scans, and periodic surgeries. Additionally, the government is investing in digital transformation, with a goal to achieve integrated primary healthcare digitalization by early 2027 and a ‘one person, one record’ vision by 2030.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor emphasized the need for continuous improvement in medical facilities to ensure equitable access for remote populations. He highlighted the strategic partnership between Yayasan Sabah Group and IJN Sdn Bhd to construct a world-class heart hospital in Kota Kinabalu. Furthermore, the state is participating in the ‘Reject Illegal Drugs’ (TOBaTS) campaign to protect citizens from unregistered and unsafe health products sold via digital platforms.