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TAWAU: The upgrading of Tawau Hospital from Grade 2 to Grade 1 by 2030 is expected not only to bring modern facilities and specialist manpower, but also to position the district as a rising regional health tourism destination.

The move is set to elevate Tawau’s status as a key hub in Sabah’s healthcare ecosystem, serving as the backbone of public health delivery for its population of 353,900.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that the plan to elevate Tawau Hospital to Grade 1 status is no longer a whisper, but a major initiative that has already received the Prime Minister’s approval.

“Tawau Hospital, which currently has 585 beds, will be strengthened with an additional 150 critical care beds. An invasive cardiology laboratory will also be established here, signalling that Tawau is poised to become a new Cardiology Referral Centre.

“This marks a major shift, allowing patients from across the East Coast to avoid long travel to Kuala Lumpur or Kuching for complex sub-specialty treatments.

“Tawau Hospital will become the main referral point for all,” he said during a press conference after officiating the Kukusan Health Camp at Taman King Fook on Wednesday.

Dr Dzulkefly said the upgrade to Grade 1 status is a rare recognition for any hospital in Malaysia as it demands top-level expertise, manpower and specialised disciplines.

He said the enhanced status is expected to have an impact that stretches beyond district lines, offering high-quality medical care to local communities and potentially to patients from outside Sabah.

“Health tourism usually involves private centres or clinics, but our public hospitals have also been recognised in the World Best Hospitals list by Newsweek.

“Our public hospitals have proven they have the facilities and expertise needed to compete globally,” he added.

Dr Dzulkefly also highlighted Malaysia’s ongoing struggle with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which he described as the country’s biggest health challenge.

NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity are a harsh reality requiring urgent action, including mass screening to detect them before they claim more lives.

“The health outreach programme also aims to identify high-risk patients, including those with breast, prostate and colon cancer.

“Efforts like these are crucial for early detection and saving lives, and must be accomplished before the end of this year, in the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he said.

He added that his visit was not merely symbolic but a strategic commitment by the Health Ministry to ensure Sabah, including Tawau, Kukusan and other rural service areas, is never sidelined.