SANDAKAN: Datuk Suhaimi Hj Nasir, Member of Parliament for Libaran, revealed that the Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) is now operating beyond its original capacity and struggling to cope with patient loads not just from Sandakan, but also from surrounding districts including Libaran, Beluran, Telupid, and Kinabatangan.
In a recent media statement, Suhaimi highlighted severe operational challenges chronic bed shortages, forcing patients to endure long waits or placed along hospital corridors, severe parking deficiencies, creating difficulties for patients, visitors, and staff, and sufficient specialist services.
Suhaimi disclosed he has consistently raised these concerns in both Parliament and the Sabah State Legislative Assembly over multiple terms. Despite this, plans for a new hospital in Libaran remain conspicuously absent from the 10th Malaysia Plan, the 11th Malaysia Plan and the current 12th Malaysia Plan.
“This is deeply disappointing, especially when Sandakan’s population has now exceeded 500,000 people,” he stated.
Suhaimi emphasized that a new Libaran hospital would immediately reduce overcrowding at HDOK, improve healthcare access for rural and remote communities and provide critical specialist services currently lacking in the region.
“This isn’t about politics – it’s about lives and public welfare. The people of Libaran and East Sabah deserve healthcare facilities equal to other states in Malaysia,” stressed Suhaimi, who is also UMNO Sabah Information Chief.
The MP vowed to continue fighting for the project, declaring: “We won’t let this issue be delayed any longer. Healthcare equity for Sabah is non-negotiable.” -James Leong
