SANDAKAN: Close to a million residents in Sabah’s east coast are expected to benefit from ongoing improvements to healthcare services at the Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) here.
State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said the HDOK serves not only as a major referral centre but as a lifeline for east coast communities.
“Our priority is to ensure services here remain robust, responsive and able to meet growing demand,” she said during a recent working visit to the hospital.
During the visit, Julita assessed service delivery, staff capacity and ongoing development initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare in the district.
The hospital functions as the main cluster facility for a vast coverage area, serving communities in Sandakan and surrounding districts including Beluran, Kinabatangan, Telupid and Tongod, with a combined population approaching one million.
The HDOK currently offers 20 specialist services, including emergency medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, psychiatry and intensive care units, making it one of the most important referral centres on Sabah’s east coast.
Julita also pointed out the importance of continued investment in hospital infrastructure, including plans to construct a new block that will increase capacity, add hundreds of patient beds and expand specialist services in the coming years.
“This is about building for the future. We want east coast residents to receive the care they deserve, closer to their homes, supported by better facilities and stronger expertise,” she said.
The visit reflects the ministry’s commitment to improving public health access, supporting frontline workers and ensuring long-term solutions for Sabah’s growing healthcare needs.
