Appeal to Upgrade Kudat Hospital

Some of the patients waiting their turn to see the doctor

5 July 2025

KOTA KINABALU : The government is urged to upgrade Kudat Hospital to enable it to provide better medical services to the community.

Ronnie Onginjan, a resident of Kudat, a local coconut farmer and virgin oil producer, said the hospital’s facilities should be improved to meet the growing healthcare needs of people in the area.

According to him, there appears to be a shortage of doctors and medical equipment at Kudat Hospital, and an increasing number of patients are in need of treatment.

"Those requiring specialist care have to be referred to hospitals in Kota Marudu or Kota Kinabalu. The long journey, combined with poor road conditions, can negatively affect the health of patients," he said.

He shared his experience on 4th July 2025, when he and several other patients from Kudat were referred to Kota Marudu Hospital for treatment.

"All of us only received our turn for treatment between early afternoon and 4.00 PM," he said, adding that many patients were already fatigued and hungry, which worsened their condition.

"Imagine being told to fast from 10 PM the night before and only allowed to eat after seeing the doctor," he said.

"A patient even mentioned that the long wait had made his condition worse."

Ronnie reiterated his appeal to the relevant authorities to upgrade Kudat Hospital so that residents can access timely and efficient medical care without the need to travel long distances.