Health Ministry, MCMC to use drones and telehealth to boost rural healthcare access
KOTA KINABALU: A strategic collaboration between the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will see digital healthcare services extended to rural and interior areas of Sabah, including the delivery of medicine using drones.
In a joint statement on Wednesday (July 23), MOH and MCMC said the pilot drone project will be based at the Tawau Health Clinic and will serve two nearby National Information Dissemination Centres (Nadi).
Sabah was selected for the pilot due to its high 4G and 5G coverage — 94.4% and 69% respectively — as well as its geographical challenges that demand innovative solutions to ensure continued treatment and medicine access.
The collaboration will encompass eight major initiatives: upgrading communications infrastructure to support future healthcare needs; equipping rural clinics, including rural and community clinics, with computers and electronic medical record (EMR) systems; installing telehealth kiosks at Nadi centres; delivering medicine using drones to remote areas; implementing cybersecurity measures at health facilities; providing adaptation grants for EMR systems; establishing a Smart Hospital Innovation Hub; and strengthening Malaysia's participation in global digital health platforms.
A drone takes off during the demonstration at a NADI centre.
The initiative will also enable cloud-based systems and virtual consultation platforms to support treatment continuity, follow-up care, and medicine delivery to hard-to-reach areas.
A key focus is also placed on enhancing digital health literacy among rural communities to boost public confidence in the safety and effectiveness of these services.
'MOH welcomes this partnership as it strengthens the public healthcare system through innovative, people-friendly solutions. It is a crucial approach to tackle today's healthcare challenges, especially in hard-to-access areas,' said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in the statement.
With 1,099 Nadi centres nationwide acting as digital gateways, the public — including those in rural areas — will be able to access virtual consultations and telehealth services, furthering the national goal of '1 Individual, 1 Record' and reinforcing the digital health ecosystem.
The ministry said this move also supports Malaysia's aspiration to become a regional leader in digital health and a global hub for health innovation in line with the Madani government's vision.
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