KOTA KINABALU: A new partnership between the Health Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will bring digital healthcare services, including drone medicine deliveries, to rural and remote areas of Sabah.

In a joint statement Wednesday, the health ministry and MCMC said the pilot drone project will be based at the Tawau Health Clinic and will serve two nearby National Information Dissemination Centres (Nadi).

"Sabah was selected based on its stable 4G (94.4 per cent) and 5G (69 per cent) network coverage, as well as the state's challenging geography, which necessitates innovative solutions to ensure continued treatment and medicine supply to the population," the statement said.

The collaboration will also focus on seven other key initiatives to strengthen digital healthcare in rural areas.

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These include upgrading communications infrastructure, equipping rural and community clinics with computers and electronic medical record (EMR) systems, and installing telehealth kiosks at Nadi centres.

Additional efforts involve implementing cybersecurity measures at health facilities, providing EMR adaptation grants, establishing a Smart Hospital Innovation Hub, and enhancing Malaysia's participation in global digital health platforms.

The statement described the strategic collaboration as crucial, noting that the nation is facing systemic challenges such as an ageing population, a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and an imbalance in the patient-to-healthcare worker ratio.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry "greatly welcomes this collaboration" as it can enhance the public healthcare system by offering innovative and people-friendly solutions.

"It is a significant approach to addressing the challenges of modern healthcare, especially in areas with limited access," he said.

The initiative will expand e-Health services through 1,099 NADI centres, offering virtual consultations and improved digital access in rural areas, the statement said.

The Health Ministry and MCMC will also work to improve digital health literacy to build public trust in these services.

"This initiative is expected to deliver positive impact to the people, while also supporting the nation's aspiration to become a regional leader in digital health and a global health innovation hub in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Government," it said.