Sabah to Strengthen Federal Engagement on Healthcare Needs

7 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will step up efforts to ensure its critical healthcare needs are more effectively communicated and prioritised at the federal level, said Julita Majungki following a visit to Queen Elizabeth Hospital today.

The Sabah Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Julita Majungki said the focus is on ensuring issues raised on the ground are not only documented but acted upon through clearer and more assertive engagement with the relevant authorities.

“This is our state. While the healthcare system is under federal jurisdiction, we still have a responsibility to ensure Sabah’s needs are clearly communicated and given due attention,” she said.

Julita noted that many of the challenges faced by major hospitals in Sabah are structural and cannot be resolved immediately, stressing the need for long-term planning.

“There is no quick fix. No one can simply press a button and have everything resolved immediately. What we can do is ensure that critical issues are communicated more effectively and with greater urgency,” she said.

During a closed-door briefing, hospital management highlighted rising patient demand and increasing capacity pressures, reflecting broader trends across the state’s healthcare system.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, one of Sabah’s main referral hospitals, continues to operate under significant strain, with workloads increasing markedly in recent years.

Key issues raised included the need to strengthen capacity, upgrade facilities and equipment, and improve operational efficiency to support service delivery.

Several proposals were also presented, including infrastructure expansion and enhancements to patient flow and support services aimed at easing congestion and optimising existing resources.

Julita acknowledged the heavy workload borne by healthcare personnel, describing their contributions as significant yet often under-recognised.

“I can see that the workload here is very heavy. The sacrifices made by doctors, nurses and all staff are not easy and cannot be measured,” she said.

She added that the state government will continue working closely with the Sabah State Health Department and the Ministry of Health Malaysia to ensure Sabah’s healthcare requirements are consistently raised and pursued.

“We recognise there are limitations, including factors beyond our control, but within our capacity, we will act, particularly in strengthening communication and advocating for Sabah’s needs,” she said.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I and Sabah Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Joachim Gunsalam, HQE Director Abd Kahar Abd Asis, as well as Assistant Minister Rina Jainal and Permanent Secretary Maria Chong.