logo
Digital healthcare project at Tuaran and Beluran hospitals lauded

Digital healthcare project at Tuaran and Beluran hospitals lauded

Daily Express05-06-2025

Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025
By: Nikko Fabian Text Size: James highlighted the project's significant achievements, including the complete integration of digital platforms across key departments, the transition from paper-based to digital systems for crucial processes like triage and clinical encounters, and the implementation of real-time dashboards for informed decision-making. Kota Kinabalu: State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib praised the successful implementation of a groundbreaking digital healthcare project at Tuaran and Beluran Hospitals. He said the initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry, Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd, MQuest Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), had fully digitised critical hospital workflows, resulting in enhanced efficiency and improved patient care. James highlighted the project's significant achievements, including the complete integration of digital platforms across key departments, the transition from paper-based to digital systems for crucial processes like triage and clinical encounters, and the implementation of real-time dashboards for informed decision-making. He emphasised the project's success in integrating laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy modules with the Hospital Information System (HIS), and the deployment of AI-enabled tools to support clinical decision-making. The Minister underscored the project's positive impact on improving healthcare access for remote and underserved communities, accelerating data-driven state-level health policy decisions, and enhancing the efficiency and transparency of healthcare resource allocation. He called the initiative a 'low-risk, high-impact transformation' with the potential to set a new benchmark for smarter healthcare delivery in the region. 'The successful completion of the Proof of Concept (PoC) at Tuaran and Beluran Hospitals positions them as pioneers in digital healthcare within Sabah, paving the way for the development of a future-proof, autonomous digital healthcare ecosystem tailored to the unique needs of the state,' James affirmed his ministry's commitment to supporting the full implementation of this transformative initiative. The project aligns with the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025, promoting digitalisation for regional economic growth and resilience.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Thailand pushes NCDs law as over 1,000 die daily from chronic diseases
Thailand pushes NCDs law as over 1,000 die daily from chronic diseases

The Star

time4 days ago

  • The Star

Thailand pushes NCDs law as over 1,000 die daily from chronic diseases

BANGKOK: Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin on Monday (June 16) chaired a meeting at the Ministry of Public Health to advance the national action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for 2023–2027. He emphasised that the government is committed to tackling NCDs, which are a major cause of premature death, illness and disability, and pose a significant threat to national productivity and economic development. Thailand records more than 400,000 NCD-related deaths annually, averaging over 1,000 per day, accounting for 81 per cent of total deaths. These are driven by behavioural, environmental and metabolic risk factors. The Ministry said national strategies and measures to reduce NCDs require cross-sector collaboration to empower people to manage their own health. The committee approved the nationwide 'Slim Down, Stop NCDs' policy, aligning with each agency's mission. The aim is to reduce premature deaths and the associated economic burden on individuals, families, society and the nation. A sub-committee will also be established to oversee the implementation of the 2023–2027 national action plan for NCD prevention and control, ensuring concrete progress. Dr Panumas Yanawetsakul, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, noted that Thailand is aligned with nine global NCD reduction targets. The likelihood of premature death from NCDs has declined slightly, from 14.8 per cent in 2010 to 14.6 per cent in 2022. The target for 2025 is 11.07 per cent. Other indicators showing slight improvement include per capita alcohol consumption, average annual sodium intake and smoking prevalence. However, several key indicators remain off-track, such as the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity. These issues present challenges that require support from all ministries, the private sector, and civil society. To strengthen the national response, the Department of Disease Control has developed a three-pronged strategy as part of the 2023–2027 NCD action plan: 1. Smart NCD Network – Integrate partnerships across all sectors to manage NCDs. 2. NCD Health Literacy – Raise awareness, build understanding, and promote healthy behaviours nationwide. 3. NCD Ecosystem – Create enabling environments through collaboration between the state, private sector, local communities, and the public to support healthy lifestyles and self-care. The Ministry has also drafted the Non-Communicable Diseases Act, designed to protect and promote the health of individuals affected by or at risk of developing NCDs. The draft has undergone public consultation and is now being reviewed by the Public Health Minister before being submitted to the Cabinet and later the National Assembly for consideration. Dr Jos Vandelaer, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Thailand, stated that NCDs are a major global health burden that requires urgent attention and collaborative management. He emphasised that these diseases are largely preventable through national-level policies that protect the public from key risk factors—such as reducing tobacco use and alcohol consumption, promoting physical activity and encouraging healthy diets. He stressed the need for strong political leadership and policy coherence across ministries to ensure effective NCD prevention and control, noting that inter-ministerial coordination is essential for success. Somkiat Pitakkamolporn, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Health Commission, said the NCD Ecosystem approach involves working across sectors beyond health to support behaviour change and create environments conducive to good health. He noted that the National Health Commission meeting had endorsed a specific health assembly resolution on fostering physical and social environments to reduce NCDs. The resolution outlines the development of five supporting systems and mechanisms that will enable five core prevention and control measures. These measures are underpinned by three key principles: Behavioural economics Fiscal mechanisms Social credit systems The framework is now being submitted to the Cabinet for approval, aligned with Thailand's 2023–2027 national NCD prevention and control action plan. In parallel, pilot projects have been launched in four regions across eight provinces to localise and implement issue-specific assemblies. These aim to create actionable, community-led measures to reduce the burden of NCDs nationwide. - The Nation/ANN

Make students' mental health a priority, Lam Thye urges varsities
Make students' mental health a priority, Lam Thye urges varsities

The Star

time4 days ago

  • The Star

Make students' mental health a priority, Lam Thye urges varsities

KUALA LUMPUR: The increasing levels of stress, burnout and mental health struggles among Malaysian university students demand immediate and coordinated intervention, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye ( pic ). Lee, a member of the National Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council, said academic pressures, financial difficulties and an uncertain future are taking a toll on students across the country. 'Many are overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations, intense competition, and the constant pressure to succeed – often at the expense of their mental and emotional well-being. 'Some students are falling into depression or even having suicidal thoughts. This is deeply alarming," he said when contacted on Tuesday (June 17). ALSO READ: Ministry boosting mental health support in varsities Lee urged Malaysian universities to go beyond their academic mandates and prioritise holistic student well-being. They need to bolster access to mental health professionals, implement regular mental health screenings – particularly during examinations – and combat the stigma surrounding mental health support. "A critical review of academic workloads is needed to reduce pressure on students, (taking) a more balanced approach to higher education. 'Education should not come at the cost of mental collapse,' he stressed. ALSO READ: Student mental health issues need attention Peer support systems and campus-wide mental health awareness initiatives were also proposed as key strategies, he said. 'Students often feel more comfortable opening up to peers who understand their struggles. "Properly trained peer support, with clear referral pathways to professionals, can play a vital role in early intervention,' he added. Lee also called for stronger partnerships between universities, the Health Ministry and mental health NGOs to develop long-term programmes, including resilience-building workshops and practical stress management training. ALSO READ: Make mental health treatment for youth accessible 'Mental health is not a luxury but a fundamental right. 'We cannot afford to lose bright young minds to issues that are preventable with the right infrastructure and commitment. "Supporting student mental health is not just compassionate, it is a crucial investment in Malaysia's future," he said.

State Government contributes 100 haemodialysis machines
State Government contributes 100 haemodialysis machines

Daily Express

time14-06-2025

  • Daily Express

State Government contributes 100 haemodialysis machines

Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 By: Diana Liu Text Size: The haemodialysis machines. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government, through the Community Development and People's Wellbeing Ministry (KPMKR), has supplied 100 haemodialysis machines to government hospitals and clinics across the State. The contributions, provided under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 'Sabah Sejahtera' Health Assistance Scheme, was fully funded by the Sabah Government through an allocation approved by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, to improve dialysis treatment access for kidney patients state-wide. Advertisement The RM8.5 million allocation covers RM4 million for treatment subsidies and RM4.5 million for equipment procurement, aimed at easing the burden of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients, especially from low-income groups. State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the State Government has exempted dialysis patients from treatment fees. 'Patients undergoing home-based treatment or via Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) will receive a monthly assistance of RM100,' he said after the handing over ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II. Also present were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Sabah Health Department Director Dr Maria Suleiman and others. As of now, there are 25 government facilities (23 hospitals, two clinics) offering dialysis services in Sabah, with five specialist hospitals also providing CAPD. According to James, the number of ESRF patients in government facilities has increased from 1,831 in 2020 to 2,133 in 2024, necessitating expanded dialysis services. 'Currently, Sabah has 474 haemodialysis machines, but only 435 are functional, while 39 units are damaged. The new machines will help address this gap, improve service quality and replace outdated equipment. 'The new machines are equipped with modern filtration technology, touchscreen interfaces, digital monitoring, energy-efficient systems and come with at least one year of warranty and maintenance service,' he said. James reaffirmed the State's commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Prihatin and Sabah Maju Jaya. Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly said the contribution is timely and critical to meet the increasing need for haemodialysis in Sabah. On another note, Dr Dzulkefly said discussions with the Chief Minister also focused on key issues under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He said five technical committees have been formed, and detailed plans, recommendations, as well as proposals from the committees have already been presented in meetings and are being seriously considered, with feedback received from his own department. 'Looking ahead, there is also a proposal for an application of nearly RM4 billion for the year 2030. 'We want to carry out a swift and effective catch-up to improve and fill the gaps in service delivery at all hospitals. All of this is very important to ensure that the delivery and treatment of the healthcare system in Sabah can be further improved,' he said. Responding to a question regarding the Putrajaya's proposal to freeze rural allowances for doctors serving in remote areas, Dr Dzulkefly said the matter has been raised and is being taken into serious consideration. He said the issue and related agenda would be brought up for further review and follow-up at the upcoming post-Cabinet meeting. * 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

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store