Govt pushes for Queen Elizabeth Hospital expansion, facility upgrades

KOTA KINABALU (April 7): A comprehensive plan to ease congestion at Queen Elizabeth Hospital is being fast-tracked, alongside a renewed push for a major upgrade of the state’s main referral facility.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Sabah Works and Utilities Minister, said a one-way traffic system has been proposed for the hospital grounds following a joint official visit with State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.

He said the proposal aims to address persistent congestion in and around the hospital, which has long affected patients, visitors and staff.

“We have suggested constructing and reorganising roads so that we can implement a one-way traffic system throughout the hospital area to reduce congestion,” he said, adding that the Public Works Department (JKR) has been tasked with assessing the proposal’s feasibility.

While preliminary feedback indicated the plan could be implemented, Joachim noted that a detailed study is still required, taking into account existing developments and the current traffic masterplan.

“I have asked JKR to prepare a report within one month so that we can determine the next course of action, including planning and budget requirements,” he said.

Beyond traffic woes, Joachim said the visit also highlighted broader challenges faced by the hospital, including patient overcrowding, equipment shortages and limitations in existing facilities.

He revealed that the hospital’s management has formally applied to the Ministry of Health (MoH) for a comprehensive upgrade covering infrastructure, equipment and manpower.

The state government, he added, will work closely with the Sabah State Health Department to press the federal government to prioritise the hospital’s needs.

“As the only state hospital serving as a specialist referral centre for Sabah, including Labuan and even Lawas in Sarawak, the need for upgraded services and facilities is critical,” he stressed.

Among the key proposals is the construction of an additional clinical block within the hospital compound, expected to accommodate about 400 beds.

The new facility would include inpatient and outpatient services, a new emergency department, specialist clinics and surgical units, forming a fully integrated clinical building.

The project is slated under the later phases of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with manpower expansion also incorporated.

Joachim said the state would continue engaging the federal government to ensure the project receives due attention and funding, given the hospital’s central role in Sabah’s healthcare system.

Also present during the visit were Queen Elizabeth Hospital director Datuk Dr Abd Kahar Abd Asis, Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Assistant Minister Datuk Rina Jainal and the ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Maria Chong.