Kota Marudu Hospital equipped with CT scanner

KOTA MARUDU (June 30): The Kota Marudu Hospital is now equipped with a Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) scanner, enhancing diagnostic capabilities at its radiology unit. Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the new equipment will benefit the combined population of Kota Marudu, Pitas and Kudat, totalling 192,598 residents.

“Previously, around 1,500 to 1,800 patients annually had to be referred to specialist hospitals in Kota Kinabalu for CT scans. Now, this essential service is available locally, reducing travel time and cost while enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment,” he said.

James described the MDCT scanner as a significant addition to the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality medical care.

“Based on the annual workload, this number is expected to grow. Having the MDCT scanner will not only accelerate diagnoses but also improve accuracy, allowing patients to receive more timely and precise treatment,” he added.

He also officiated the launch of the newly completed Radiology Department building at the hospital. The upgraded facility offers a more modern environment, benefiting both healthcare personnel and patients.

“Such infrastructure improvements reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all, regardless of geography or background,” James said.

He highlighted the investment in advanced medical technology like the MDCT scanner as a step towards a more sustainable and responsive healthcare system.

In line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Health Assistance Scheme – Sabah Sejahtera, he also announced that 100 haemodialysis machines have been contributed by the Sabah State Government to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) for distribution across the state.

During the event, James handed over eight haemodialysis machines to cluster hospitals in the northern region: Kota Marudu Hospital (two units), Kudat Hospital (four units) and Pitas Hospital (two units).

“This contribution not only expands the treatment capacity of our healthcare facilities but also brings renewed hope to kidney patients who require regular haemodialysis. We hope it will help shorten the waiting list and provide more efficient and comfortable treatment,” he said.

James stressed that the initiative forms part of broader efforts under the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan to enhance the wellbeing of Sabahans through improved healthcare services.

“We understand that haemodialysis treatment is costly and can be a heavy financial burden, especially for rural families. With this contribution, we aim to ease that burden and improve patients’ quality of life,” he said.