HDOK upgrade expected to benefit nearly one million residents along Sabah’s east coast

7 February 2026

SANDAKAN: Nearly one million residents along Sabah’s east coast are expected to benefit from the ongoing enhancement of healthcare services at Hospital Duchess of Kent (HDOK), Sandakan.

The Sabah Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing (KWKKR), Datuk Julita Majungki, during a working visit to the hospital recently , reviewed service delivery, staffing capacity and ongoing development initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare in the region.

“HDOK is not only a major referral centre, but also a lifeline for the people of Sabah’s east coast.

“Our priority is to ensure that services here remain robust, responsive and capable of meeting increasing demand,” she said.

The hospital functions as the lead cluster facility for a wide catchment area, serving communities in Sandakan as well as surrounding districts such as Beluran, Kinabatangan, Telupid and Tongod, with a combined population approaching one million.

HDOK currently offers 20 specialist services, including emergency medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, psychiatry and intensive care, making it one of the most important referral centres on Sabah’s east coast.

Julita also underscored the importance of continued investment in hospital infrastructure, including plans for the construction of a new block that will significantly increase capacity, add hundreds of patient beds and expand specialist services over the coming years.

“This is about building for the future. We want the people of the east coast to receive the care they deserve, closer to home, supported by better facilities and stronger expertise,” she said.

The visit reflects the ministry’s commitment to improving access to public healthcare, supporting frontline healthcare workers and ensuring long-term solutions to meet Sabah’s growing healthcare needs.