KOTA KINABALU: Residents in five districts in Sabah’s east coast will no longer have to travel far to get quality medical treatment with the upgrading of the Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan.

The upgrading of the hospital involved the completion of a Radiology Building that provides CT Scans, mammograms, fluoroscopy and ultrasound services. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, who officiated the opening of the building on Monday (Oct 8), said it would benefit residents in Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, and central districts of Tongod and Telupid, among others.

"Previously, those outside of Kota Kinabalu had to travel hours to get these treatments and services but now, the journey can be cut short,” he said after the event.

The RM7.6mil building would go a long way to help reduce travel expenses for those outside of Kota Kinabalu.

"The government will continuously make sure that the welfare of the people is taken care of accordingly,” Shafie said.

He urged hospital staff and the public to help make sure that the facilities and machines were taken care of properly.

"In the end, we want to make sure that everyone in Sabah gets quality medical services regardless of where they are,” he said.

Hence, collaboration and close relationship between the state and federal government was crucial, Shafie said.

Also present during the event were Sabah Health and Wellbeing Minister Datuk Stephen Wong Tien Fatt, state Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Frankie Poon and state Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi.