A groundbreaking collaboration between Malaysia’s Health Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is set to revolutionize rural healthcare in Sabah by introducing drone medicine deliveries and expanding digital health services.
In a joint statement, both agencies announced a pilot project based at the Tawau Health Clinic, where drones will be used to transport medication to two nearby National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI). Sabah was chosen due to its stable 4G (94.4%) and 5G (69%) coverage and challenging terrain, which calls for innovative healthcare delivery methods.
Beyond drone delivery, the partnership will roll out seven additional initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility in remote areas. These include upgrading communications infrastructure, equipping rural clinics with computers and electronic medical records (EMR) systems, and installing telehealth kiosks at NADI centres.
The plan also includes cybersecurity upgrades at health facilities, grants for EMR adoption, the creation of a Smart Hospital Innovation Hub, and increased global participation in digital health networks.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad praised the initiative, calling it a timely and people-friendly solution to modern healthcare challenges—especially those related to limited access in rural regions. He highlighted the country’s pressing healthcare issues, such as an ageing population, a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and an imbalanced ratio of healthcare workers to patients.
The digital healthcare expansion will be carried out through 1,099 NADI centres, offering virtual consultations and enhancing digital access for underserved communities. The Health Ministry and MCMC also aim to boost public digital health literacy to build confidence in these services.
“This initiative will not only improve lives but also positions Malaysia as a rising leader in regional digital health and global health innovation,” the statement concluded, aligning with the broader goals of the MADANI Government.
