SANDAKAN (Sabah, Malaysia), October 8, 2025 — The Chairman of the Duchess of Kent Hospital Board of Visitors (ALPHDOK) Sandakan, Dr. Peter Jr Naintin, has reaffirmed his strong commitment to driving healthcare reform at the hospital, underscoring the importance of listening to the voices of frontline medical staff and addressing their real, on-the-ground challenges.
Dr. Peter stressed that the Board’s role extends beyond routine oversight, serving instead as a strategic bridge between hospital administration and policymakers.
“Every issue, concern and suggestion raised by the staff of the Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) will not merely be recorded — they must be championed and translated into tangible actions that directly benefit both patients and healthcare workers,” he said.
He emphasized that ALPHDOK’s mission is to ensure that the hospital continues to serve as a resilient and compassionate public health institution — one that reflects efficiency, integrity, and empathy amid the evolving challenges of Sabah’s healthcare system.
Ahead of the board’s official meeting, Dr. Peter and other ALPHDOK members visited several wards at the hospital, engaging with staff and patients in what he described as a mission to “understand the pulse of the institution.”
“This visit is not ceremonial. It is an opportunity to witness the realities of hospital operations — from logistical hurdles to the emotional and physical toll on our frontline workers. We are here to listen, to assess, and to act,” Dr. Peter told reporters after the inspection.
He further noted that decisions made by the board will be guided by a combination of empathy and empirical evidence gathered directly from the field — a principle he considers essential to achieving meaningful and sustainable improvements in the public healthcare system.
With the commitment and passion of HDOK’s dedicated staff, Dr. Peter expressed confidence that a more robust and transformative healthcare landscape can be achieved, positioning the Duchess of Kent Hospital as a model of public service excellence in Sandakan and across Sabah.
