In recent years, Sarawak has made significant strides toward digitalising its healthcare system. With geographical challenges, aging infrastructure, and urban–rural healthcare disparities, the state government and academic institutions have championed the integration of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), telemedicine, cloud-based systems, and real-time dashboards. This move aims to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and ensure equitable access to health services across the region.
Defining Digital Healthcare
Digital healthcare refers to the use of modern information and communication technologies to support and improve health services. This includes tools like teleconsultations, AI-driven diagnostics, electronic medical records (EMRs), and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled medical devices. These technologies allow medical professionals to deliver faster, safer, and more accessible care, especially for remote or rural communities.
Sarawak faces several persistent healthcare challenges:
| Problem Area | Description |
| Geographical Barriers | Many rural communities are isolated by rivers or forest terrain, making physical access to hospitals time-consuming and costly. |
| Staff Shortages | Medical specialists are concentrated in urban centres, leaving rural clinics under-resourced. |
| Manual Record-Keeping | Paper-based systems lead to delays, data loss, and poor coordination between hospitals and clinics. |
Table 1shows the key healthcare challenges faced in Sarawak, including geographical barriers, limited specialist access, and outdated manual record-keeping systems.
These issues hinder the delivery of consistent and timely care, particularly in emergencies or for chronic disease management.
The Sarawak government has initiated multiple digital healthcare projects:
- RM10 Million Digital Link System
In 2024, RM10 million was allocated to develop a centralized digital platform for Sarawak hospitals. This system allows patient records to be accessed and shared across different facilities, reducing paperwork and improving decision-making.
- Bed Management Monitoring Dashboard
A collaborative project by UNIMAS and Sarawak General Hospital introduced a real-time dashboard to track patient beds. This system improves patient flow, optimizes ward management, and reduces waiting time.
- Digitalisation of 271 Clinics
Over half of Sarawak’s public health clinics are undergoing digital transformation. This includes adopting EMRs, remote consultation setups, and cloud-based health data systems.
- Telemedicine and Remote Access
The Premier of Sarawak has emphasized the importance of telemedicine. Initiatives include video consultations, remote diagnostics, and mobile health units – especially valuable for longhouse communities and interior villages.
- Smart Health Centre at UNIMAS
The Prima Health Centre under UNIMAS is expected to become a pioneer in using AI, IoT, and big data in healthcare delivery, setting a model for other facilities.
The process of implementing digital healthcare in Sarawak involves:
- Infrastructure Investment – Government funds support the development of data systems, hardware, and connectivity.
- Pilot Testing & Research – Institutions like UNIMAS conduct pilot projects and usability studies.
- Public–Private Collaboration – Tech developers, universities, and health departments collaborate to ensure seamless system integration.
- Training & Capacity Building – Healthcare workers receive upskilling to adopt new technologies.
- Monitoring & Evaluation – Usage data and patient feedback guide further refinement and scale-up.
Despite progress, a few issues persist:
- Internet Connectivity: Remote areas still suffer from unreliable internet, limiting real-time telehealth functions.
- Digital Literacy: Some healthcare staff lack familiarity with new systems, slowing adoption.
- System Integration: Ensuring that all clinics and hospitals operate on compatible platforms remains a work in progress.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Invest in Rural Connectivity: Satellite or low-orbit internet systems can address bandwidth issues.
- Standardise Platforms: Ensuring all health institutions use a single, interoperable system will prevent data silos.
- Continued Training: Regular workshops and hands-on training for healthcare staff will build confidence in tech usage.
- Public Engagement: Community education on how to use telemedicine can increase uptake and reduce clinic congestion.
Sarawak is on a promising path toward a tech-enhanced healthcare future. While challenges remain, ongoing investments, institutional partnerships, and community engagement are paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient health system. The ultimate goal: ensure no Sarawakian, regardless of location, is left behind in accessing quality care.
References
- https://www.sarawaktribune.com/quality-healthcare-through-use-of-latest-technology/
- https://gazette.unimas.my/2024/12/19/digital-innovation-in-action-unimas-and-sgh-enhance-patient-care-with-new-dashboard/
- https://www.sarawaktribune.com/rm10-mln-to-develop-digital-application-for-sarawak-hospitals/
- https://www.sarawaktribune.com/sarawak-pioneers-healthcare-transformation-with-telemedicine-and-innovation/
- https://www.sarawaktribune.com/health-centre-potential-pioneer-in-applying-digital-technologies/
- https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/07/09/deputy-premier-over-half-of-271-public-health-clinics-in-sarawak-to-undergo-digitalisation/
- https://www.sarawaktribune.com/quality-healthcare-through-use-of-latest-technology/
- https://dayakdaily.com/76-pct-of-sarawaks-271-health-clinics-in-poor-condition-rm17-26-bln-needed-to-upgrade-facilities/
- https://www.sarawaktribune.com/private-healthcare-reforms-key-to-sarawaks-rm100-billion-investment-target/
- https://www.sarawaktribune.com/a-game-changer-in-industry-and-healthcare-innovation/
- https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/729797
