Sabah's Queen Elizabeth Hospital gets 100 new haemodialysis machines
State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib handed over the machines in an event held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital II here Thursday (June 12).
In his speech, he said that this is part of the Sabah Maju Jaya Health Assistance Scheme with an allocation of RM8.5mil.
'Out of this amount, RM4mil is for treatment and RM4.5mil is for the dialysis machines.
'Eligible patients who do home dialysis will also get a monthly subsidy of RM100 for their treatment,' James said, adding that this is aimed at lessening the burdens of needy patients.
He said the number of patients has increased from 1,831 in 2020 to 2,133 in 2024.
With such an increase, the need to improve medical services also increased, he said, adding that the government was committed to providing quality and affordable medical access to patients.
To date, Sabah has a total of 474 haemodialysis machines to be shared among all patients, but only 435 units are functioning properly while the rest are in need of repair.
Patients using these machines are required to pay RM13 for each session, and they have to do it a few times a week, depending on the severity of their condition.
In another event earlier, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital saw the launch of its new signboard and history gallery, an initiative led by the Commonwealth Association of Leadership Malaysia (CALM), in collaboration with the Sabah State Health Department and the hospital.
The effort aims to preserve the legacy of one of Sabah's oldest and most important hospitals, while recognising the contributions of healthcare personnel since its establishment.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the signboard and gallery, Sabah Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the initiative reflects an appreciation of the significant role QEH has played in the development of the State's healthcare system.
'Queen Elizabeth Hospital has played an important role in the lives of Sabahans for many years. This initiative ensures that the hospital's history and the sacrifices of those who have served here are not forgotten,' he said.
The new signboard serves as a historical marker highlighting the hospital's colonial-era origins, including its official opening by the Countess of Perth in 1957 and the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972, which led to the hospital's official naming.
The historical gallery displays photographs, documents, and key artefacts marking major milestones in the hospital's growth. It is open to the public and serves as a resource for students, researchers, and the wider community.
Masidi also expressed appreciation to CALM for its commitment and leadership in realising the project, and commended the close collaboration with the Sabah Health Department and QEH.
He added that other hospitals should consider similar efforts to preserve their institutional history and foster greater public appreciation of Malaysia's healthcare system.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
Only 23pc pharmacists in Sabah hospitals Sabahans: Call for UMS to address situation
Published on: Monday, August 04, 2025 Published on: Mon, Aug 04, 2025 Text Size: The conference participants in a group photo. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib hopes to see more Sabahans employed as pharmacists in view of only 23 per cent currently serving government hospitals and clinics in the State being Sabah-borns. Speaking at the 36th Sabah State Pharmacy Conference at Le Meridien from Aug. 1-3, James said many pharmacies across Kota Kinabalu and other districts are also operated by non-Sabahans. To address this, James advocated for a policy requiring at least 70 per cent of community pharmacies to be owned by Sabahans. He said the proposal is not merely an economic measure, but a matter of health sovereignty for the State in view of growing concerns about lack of local representation in critical healthcare services. Deputy Health (Pharmacy) Director Dr Liau Siow Yen represented the Minister at the official opening. He said one way to address the problem is to set up a School of Pharmacy at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) increase investment in local talent development as well as provide more scholarships for Sabahans to pursue pharmacy studies. He noted the important role pharmacists play as vital guardians of medication management and key players in the healthcare system. He also spoke about the importance of ensuring continuous medicine supply, quality assurance of pharmaceuticals and primary care provision. James also advocated for stronger collaboration between public and private sector pharmacists in follow-up therapy, health screening and patient education, describing such partnerships as essential for improving treatment outcomes and medication adherence. The three-day conference, organised jointly by the Sabah Pharmaceutical Society and Sabah State Health Ministry's Pharmacy Services Division, brought together pharmacists from across Malaysia under the theme 'Think Health, Think Pharmacist'. The event featured sessions on artificial intelligence applications in healthcare, neuro-linguistic programming, military pharmacy experiences and human resources workshops. Delegates from Labuan, Pahang and Terengganu joined local pharmacists for the comprehensive programme. The conference also included community outreach activities, with pharmacists conducting home medication reviews at Holy Family Residence in Papar, demonstrating the profession's expanding role in direct patient care and community service. The event concluded with a healthcare exhibition showcasing industry innovations and fostering collaboration between practitioners and stakeholders. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sabah minister calls for boost in local pharmacists
From left: Organising chairperson Andy Chi, organising chairperson Siew Len, Deputy Director of Health, Dr Liau Siow Yen Sabah (Pharmacy), Sabah Pharmaceutical Society president Hiew Chui Li and Vice President 1 of Malaysian Pharmacists Society, Susan Pan at the opening ceremony of the 36th Sabah State Pharmacy Conference. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 2): Community Development and People's Wellbeing Datuk James Ratib disclosed that only 26.3 per cent of government-employed pharmacists in Sabah are locals. He advocated for the establishment of a School of Pharmacy at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), increased investment in local talent development, and more scholarships for Sabah-born students pursuing pharmacy. Additionally, he proposed that job opportunities in community pharmacies be prioritised for Sabahans. Citing observations in Kota Kinabalu and other districts, he noted that many pharmacies are operated by non-Sabahan business owners. To address this, he supported a policy that at least 70 per cent of community pharmacies should be owned by local citizens, framing it not only as an economic measure but also a matter of health sovereignty. James, who is Sabah Health Exco, stated this in his speech for the 36th Sabah State Pharmacy Conference. The conference, which is held from August 1 to 3 at the Le Meridien Hotel, brings together pharmacists from across Malaysia to advance healthcare practices and community engagement. This is a collaboration effort between Sabah Pharmaceutical Society and Sabah State Health Ministry (Pharmacy Services Division). The conference began with a heartfelt visit to the Holy Family Residence in Papar, where pharmacists conducted home medication reviews, educated residents on medication adherence, and spread cheer to the elderly community. This initiative showcased the profession's growing role in direct patient care and community service. The official opening ceremony was graced by the Deputy Director of Health (Pharmacy), Dr Liau Siow Yen, who represented James. In his speech, James expressed his gratitude to pharmacists, acknowledging them as vital guardians of medication management and one of key players in the healthcare system. He emphasized the crucial role pharmacists play in ensuring continuous medicine supply, quality assurance of pharmaceuticals, and being primary care providers. He called for stronger collaboration between public and private sector pharmacists in areas such as follow-up therapy, health screening, and patient education. Such partnerships, he said, are essential to improve treatment outcomes, medication adherence, and the overall quality of life for all segments of society. James also recognized the increasing involvement of community pharmacists in health screenings, lifestyle counselling, and outreach to remote areas. However, he voiced concern about the ongoing challenges in the pharmaceutical workforce within the government sector. Organising chairperson Siew Len extended a warm welcome to delegates from Labuan, Pahang and Terengganu. The conference featured a wide array of topics including Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Artificial Intelligence applications in healthcare, a session on military pharmacy experiences, and a human resources workshop conducted by the renowned 'Aunty HR.' With the theme 'Think Health, Think Pharmacist', the three-day conference aimed to empower pharmacists to become more well-rounded healthcare professionals, capable of addressing both clinical needs and broader public health concerns. The event also highlighted the growing emphasis on Community Social Responsibility (CSR), underlining the evolving role of pharmacists in supporting both individual patient care and the wider community. In addition to the lectures and workshops, the conference featured a healthcare exhibition, where industry partners showcased their latest products, services and innovations, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between practitioners and industry stakeholders.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Borneo Post
Prioritise children's palliative care, says Sabah Health Exco
James (centre) poses with the organiser and cyclists at Hilton Hotel. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 1): Paediatric palliative care must be prioritised as an integral part of the national healthcare system, said State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister, Datuk James Ratib. Speaking at the closing of the SEPEDA Amal Borneo 2025 event today, James highlighted the critical shortage of paediatric palliative care specialists in Malaysia — only six are currently serving under the Health Ministry, despite an estimated nine million children needing such care. 'In Sabah, these services are only available at the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. Last year alone, more than 100 new paediatric palliative care cases were referred to the Likas unit,' he said during the event held at Hilton Hotel. James called on the Health Ministry to urgently address the shortage by training more specialists and increasing funding for the field. He also appealed for additional incentives to attract doctors to serve in Sabah. He emphasised the unique challenges faced by children in Sabah's remote areas, many of whom come from underprivileged communities and currently have little to no access to palliative services. 'I am especially supportive of MAPPAC's vision to build the first children's hospice in Sabah. Such a facility would ensure that care is delivered in a dedicated and well-equipped setting, regardless of the patient's background,' he said. James pledged his full support as the state's Health Exco to help make the hospice a reality and urged the Federal Government, through the Health Ministry, to collaborate and allocate necessary funds. 'This is my commitment to our children who are truly in need of our help,' he added. The SEPEDA Amal Borneo charity cycling event, organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), was aimed at raising awareness and funds for the hospice. The event saw 17 cyclists from across the globe complete a grueling six-day, 600-kilometre journey from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, passing through Paitan, Kota Marudu, Ranau and Tambunan — with a total elevation of over 6,000 metres. 'I am deeply impressed by the commitment shown by the SEPEDA Amal Borneo participants, who come from various professions, backgrounds and nationalities,' James said. 'Your efforts have helped bring attention to an issue that truly matters.'
