Measat, Mudah take telehealth to remote Sabah Villages

KUALA LUMPUR: Measat Global Berhad and Mudah Healthtech are fast-tracking digital healthcare in Malaysia’s remotest corners. The two partners recently launched new Sihat Xpress telehealth kiosks in Kg Manikulau near Ranau and Kg Bonor near Sook, Sabah, bringing vital medical services to villages hours from the nearest clinics.

Supported by Measat’s Connectme Now satellite broadband and its extensive distribution network, the initiative aims to reach up to 1 million rural residents. The kiosks serve nearly 1,000 villagers and local school communities, providing guided self-care tools and on-demand doctor consultations.

The launch was graced by Datuk Mary Angela Sipaun, Sabah State Treasurer, who visited both sites alongside local district officers. She praised the partnership, noting that Sabah’s rugged geography often limits access to healthcare and that innovative solutions like Sihat Xpress are essential for underserved communities.

Building on early success, the programme is expanding across Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia, targeting high-impact areas where distance and terrain hinder medical access. Over 1,000 clinics have already been digitalised since 2024 under the Madani MSME Digital Grant, allowing a broad network of doctors to join remote consultations.

Sihat Xpress kiosks let villagers perform self-screening for blood pressure, blood glucose, oxygen levels, body temperature, and BMI, alongside online consultations for non-emergency medical issues. Some villages have seen over 60 per cent resident adoption, with future plans including AI-assisted health assessments, early cancer detection, mental health screenings, and even drone-based medicine delivery.

Measat COO Yau Chyong Lim said, “Our collaboration ensures healthcare comes to the patient, not the other way around. Satellite technology allows us to remove geographical barriers.”

Mudah Healthtech founder Kantha Rasalingam added, “By combining smart kiosks, reliable connectivity, and a robust network of doctors, we are transforming healthcare delivery so quality care reaches every community, regardless of location.”

With this initiative, Measat and Mudah Healthtech are turning the vision of “healthcare at your doorstep” into a tangible reality, aligning with Malaysia’s national drive for equitable, digitally enabled healthcare under the 13th Malaysia Plan.