Health Ministry creates 607 posts, approves RM1.57bil for Sabah healthcare

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 1 - The Malaysian Health Ministry has bolstered healthcare in Sabah by establishing 607 new roles as of today, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. This expansion includes 355 managerial and professional positions, such as 77 specialized roles and 203 medical, dental, and pharmacy officers, alongside 252 implementation group positions.

The announcement came during a press conference following the Sabah Health Development Joint Action Committee meeting, where Dr Dzulkefly also briefed the gathered press on the federal government's approval of RM1.57 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan Rolling Plan 1. This allocation covers 46 ongoing projects and seven new initiatives, such as the RM125 million Sabah Heart Centre and the RM81.95 million Type 5 Health Clinic with quarters in Nabawan, Sapulut.

Dr Dzulkefly emphasized the ministry's commitment to increasing the annual allocation growth for the Sabah Health Department to a projected five percent, with an expected total of RM4 billion by 2030. He reiterated the government's dedication to addressing grassroots concerns, exemplified by his recent visits to district hospitals to assess urgent facility needs.

At Tambunan Hospital, RM988,000 was approved for emergency department upgrades, canteen repairs, and medical equipment procurement. Additionally, RM1.279 million was allocated for Ranau Hospital to rebuild its triage counter, repair the canteen, upgrade electrical capacity, and acquire three mortuary refrigerators, along with four new ambulances.

Kota Belud Hospital received RM2.01 million for addressing its congested outpatient department, upgrading dental units, and procuring a new mobile X-ray machine.