Sabah’s free medical check-ups set to start in April

KOTA KINABALU: Mobile laboratories are set to roll into Sabah’s far-flung districts from April under the state government’s free medical check-up programme for its citizens.

State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the initial target was 10 of the 28 districts in the state, to be expanded in stages.

Earlier, he witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between his ministry and Borneo Sinarmas Sdn Bhd here on Monday (Jan 29).

Borneo Sinarmas comprises two Sabah-based companies, Borneo Medic and Sinarmas Medic, which will conduct the programme.

They will provide 10 types of check-ups including liver function, renal function, tumour marker and lipid profile through blood, urine and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

James said medical officers and doctors would then explain the results to the patients and take follow-up action if needed.

He said Borneo Sinarmas would be tasked with implementing the free medical check-ups, as well as manage the logistics and personnel for the programme.

“We start with 10 four-wheel drive vans serving as mobile labs and they will be visiting the 10 districts. There will be technicians and medical officers accompanying the labs,” he said.

He said the programme under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative would be monitored by the state Health Department, adding that the schedule would be arranged with the respective districts.

James said the programme was also a way to control contagious diseases like tuberculosis, among others, from spreading.

For islands and areas not accessible by road, James said they would use alternative transportation such as boats.

“For example, for Pulau Banggi, we will get the state Health Department’s assistance as they have an ambulance boat.

“I hope Borneo Sinarmas will be able to expand its fleet and include boats in the future,” he added.

“Many Sabahans don’t take health issues seriously but we know that with early detection of diseases, they can get treatment and live a better life,” James said.