Latest news with #SabahHealthDepartment
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
US embassy donates medical equipment to Flying Doctor Service
Johan, Maria and Bryant with the medical equipment. KOTA KINABALU (May 29): The United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has donated essential medical equipment to the Sabah Health Department's Flying Doctor Service (FDS), marking a significant boost to healthcare delivery in remote regions of the state. The handover ceremony took place today at the Layang-Layang Aerospace hangar in Tanjung Aru. The donated items include portable ultrasound machines, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen concentrators, and various medical kits. Sabah Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman received the equipment and delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing profound gratitude. She emphasized the vital role of the FDS in reaching remote and underserved communities across Sabah, often facing formidable logistical challenges. 'This contribution is not merely a collection of machines and tools; it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring spirit of partnership and compassion between our nations,' she said. Dr Maria added that the equipment will greatly enhance the FDS's ability to diagnose, treat and save lives, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The event was attended by representatives from the US Army Civil Military Support Element, the US Embassy's Office of Defence Cooperation, Sabah State Health Department, and Layang-Layang Aerospace personnel. Captain Bryant Y. Kim of the US Army described the donation as a symbol of the strong and lasting partnership between the United States and Malaysia. He expressed appreciation for the support from Layang-Layang Aerospace and emphasized the Embassy's interest in future collaborations to assess the donation's impact. 'Our goal is to strengthen the Sabah Health Department's capabilities in delivering healthcare to those who need it most — especially in remote and underserved areas of the vast and beautiful state of Sabah,' Kim said. He praised the dedication of the FDS team in overcoming geographical and logistical barriers, reinforcing the shared commitment of both nations to improving healthcare access. Layang-Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd managing director Hj Johan Poong Abdullah said the equipment is expected to immediately improve the FDS's operational capacity, enabling more efficient and effective medical services. 'This event is a powerful demonstration of international cooperation and a shared commitment to the well-being of Sabah's people. It reminds us that when nations unite in the spirit of humanity and mutual respect, extraordinary achievements are possible,' he said.
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
120,000 blood pints needed yearly: Hajiji
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Shahelmey (middle) chats with a blood donor while accompanied by Dr Maria Suleiman (right) in the event. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor wants more programmes to be implemented to raise awareness on the importance of donating blood. 'I have been informed that the daily blood requirement for Sabah is 300 units and each year, we need about 110,000 to 120,000 units to meet patients' needs. Advertisement 'However, to date, only 75,000 units are collected each year,' he said at the State-level 2025 Nurses' Day celebrations and blood donation event held at of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here on Tuesday. His speech was delivered by the Deputy Chief Minister III/Minister of Works, Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya. Hajiji said collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the public sector can raise awareness on blood donation and to attract the public to become regular donors. 'Indeed, voluntary blood donatiion helps save patients' lives,' he said. Since the quality of the healthcare system heavily relies on the quality of the nursing workforce, Hajiji said investment in training, welfare, and career development for nurses is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the country's healthcare system. 'In this regard, the State Government always appreciates and supports nurses serving in Sabah who sacrifice their time and energy for the health of the people. 'I hope all nurses will continue to strive to improve the quality of healthcare services, particularly in this state,' he said. The Chief Minister paid tribute to nurses, whom he said are the backbone of the nation's healthcare system. 'The Nurses' Day celebrations is not just a symbolic event but a significant recognition of the group that serves as the backbone of the nation's healthcare system - our nurses. 'In line with this year's theme, 'Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens the Economy', the role of nurses extends beyond just being 'patient caregivers' in hospitals - they are also catalysts for community wellbeing, health educators, and frontline workers in managing health crises,' he said. Hajiji recalled the extraordinary role of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic a few years ago, not only in terms of treatment and monitoring but also in providing emotional and moral support to patients and their families. 'Some had to be separated from their families, spouses, and children in order to fulfill their responsibilities at that time. 'Indeed, they are unsung heroes who remain strong, resilient and steadfast working under various challenging situations, whether in wards, emergency units, rural health clinics, or disaster areas,' he said. Also present were Sabah Health Department director Dr Maria Suleiman, State Nurses Supervisor head Matron Damica Kunsiong, Queen Elizabeth Hospital II (QEH 11) director Dr Ferro Firdaus bin Ibrahim and QEH II Department of Transfusion Medicine head Dr Shahnaz Irwani Binti Sabri. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Sharp rise in HFMD cases, but situation is under control
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Despite the surge, proactive control measures have led to a downward trend in recent weeks. - pic for illustration only Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah State Health Department reported a sharp increase in cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) this year, but the situation remains under control. Sabah Health Department Director Dr Maria Suleiman said a total of 1,406 HFMD cases were recorded during Epidemiological Week 18, a significant rise compared to 266 cases during the same period in 2024 marking an increase of 428 per cent. 'Currently, we are seeing an increase in HFMD cases in Sabah. However, thanks to the control measures and care initiatives we've implemented, the situation is under control, and the number of cases is gradually decreasing. 'Despite the surge, proactive control measures have led to a downward trend in recent weeks. 'With the interventions and care we've put in place, the HFMD situation in Sabah is currently under control and showing signs of improvement,' she said when commenting on the current situation of HFMD cases in Sabah after opening the State-level 2025 Nurses' Day celebrations and blood donation programme themed 'Our Nurses, Our Future, Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies' held at of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here on Tuesday. Cumulatively, Dr Maria said Sabah registered 6,919 HFMD cases during Epidemiological Week 1 to Week 18, which spans the period from January 1 up to May 10 (Saturday), this year. She is awaiting the latest figures for the current week, which typically runs from Sunday through Saturday. She said the department continues to monitor the situation closely and urged parents and caregivers to maintain good hygiene practices, avoid crowded places if children show symptoms, and seek early treatment to prevent further spread. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health recorded a total of 99,601 cases of HFMD. Nationwide as of Week 17 this year, with Selangor recorded the highest number of cases at 27, 118 cases, followed by Johor with 9,864 cases, Perak with 9,347 cases, Kelantan with 7,147 cases, Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur ( and Putrajaya with 6,850 cases. The Ministry stated that no deaths related to HFMD cases had been reported.
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Sabah nurses shortage not serious: Dr Maria
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Dr Maria said Sabah relies on its three Ministry of Health training institutes located in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau which produce an estimated 300 to 400 new nurses each year. - FMT pic (right) for illustration only. Kota Kinabalu: The shortage of nurses in Sabah's government hospitals has not reached alarming level, said Sabah Health Department Director Dr Maria Suleiman. She said Sabah currently has a total of 11,741 nursing positions in with 10,210 filled and 1,554 still vacant. While the shortage of nurses is not critical, she said there is a need for increased staffing to maintain quality healthcare services. 'We hope the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) will prioritise filling these vacancies in the near future 'Although we are short-staffed and such shortage is not serious, we continue to deliver the best possible care using our current human resources,' Dr Maria said. She was commenting on whether shortage of nurses is serious in Sabah's government hospitals. Dr Maria said this after the opening of the State-level 2025 Nurses' Day celebrations and blood donation programme themed 'Our Nurses, Our Future, Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies' held at of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here on Tuesday. The Deputy Chief Minister III cum Minister of Works, Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, officiated the event that was held for the second time, to commemorate the Nurses' Day and the services rendered by the nurses in Sabah. Due to the shortage of nurses, she said the nurses have to work double shifts and overtime to ensure sufficient nurses for nursing healthcare of the patients and society. To address the staffing gap, Dr Maria said Sabah relies on its three Ministry of Health training institutes located in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau which produce an estimated 300 to 400 new nurses each year. Therefore, she hoped that the graduates of this year would able to fill those nursing vacancies in Sabah. Based on a fact sheet of nurses in Sabah, nursing in Sabah has grown not only in terms of service demand but also in the expertise required to protect the health and well-being of the community. Sabah nurses have acquired a wide range of specialised (post-basic) skills and among the key areas of specialisation are: Midwifery (Part 1) – 1,095 nurses Public Health Nursing – 177 nurses Perioperative Care – 186 nurses Critical Care – 160 nurses Emergency Care – 145 nurses Pediatric Care – 173 nurses Infection Prevention and Control – 123 nurses In addition to these specialties, many nurses in Sabah have also attained Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and even PhDs. On the annual event held for the second time, Dr Maria said the Sabah Health Department marked Nurses Day with a statewide blood donation campaign, held in conjunction with the annual celebration observed on May 12 yearly. She said this year's event saw participation from 21 hospitals across Sabah, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where the campaign was launched on Tuesday (May 13). 'The initiative, organised by the Sabah Nursing Division of the department, aims to raise awareness of the vital role nurses play in the healthcare system while also supporting the state's blood banks. 'The target for the day for 2025 is to collect 1,000 pints of blood across 21 Sabah hospitals. Last year, we collected 805 pints from all the government hospitals. 'As of this morning (May 13), Queen Elizabeth Hospital II had collected 52 pints, working towards its goal of obtaining 100 pints,' she said. As for shortage of parking spaces in QEH II, Dr Maria said such challenge echoed across many healthcare facilities in Sabah and not only in QEH II. 'It's undeniable that parking space is limited at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, However, this issue isn't unique to this hospital — it affects healthcare facilities throughout Sabah. 'In an effort to ease the situation, the hospital has partnered with Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, which has allowed the hospital to utilise an adjacent open area for public parking. 'The collaboration has made available approximately 300 parking spaces for visitors and patients. I am very grateful to Qhazanah for granting access to this space, located just to the right of the hospital,' she said in response to growing public concerns about lack of parking spaces in QEH II. To a question, Dr Maria said the parking of Qhazanah is located just to the right of the hospital and has been in use for some time — not a new development or future project, as some may have assumed. On the current number of parking spots remains insufficient to meet demand, Dr Marisa said the hospital hopes that any future land allocation to Queen Elizabeth II includes provisions for expanded parking facilities. 'We remain hopeful that if more land is made available to the hospital, a dedicated parking structure can be developed,' she said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
Daily Express
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Sabah's 1,554 nurse shortage not critical says health dept director
Published on: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 13, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Sabah Health Department director Dr. Maria Suleiman. - Hayati Dzulkifli/Daily Express KOTA KINABALU: The shortage of nurses in Sabah's government hospitals is not at a critical level, according to Sabah Health Department director Dr. Maria Suleiman. Sabah has 11,741 nursing positions, with 10,210 filled and 1,554 vacant. Although staffing is not urgent, Dr. Maria emphasized the need for more nurses to maintain quality care, hoping the Ministry of Health will address these vacancies soon. At the opening of the 2025 Nurses' Day celebrations, Dr. Maria highlighted the reliance on local training institutes to fill gaps, with around 300 to 400 new nurses graduating annually. She noted that nurses in Sabah are highly skilled, with expertise in various specialties, including midwifery, public health, and critical care. The event also featured a blood donation drive across 21 hospitals, aiming to collect 1,000 pints, up from 805 last year. Dr. Maria addressed the ongoing parking shortage at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, stating that a partnership with Qhazanah Sabah Berhad has added 300 parking spaces to ease the issue. She hopes future hospital expansions will include more parking. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
