MIRI – The Sarawak State Education Department has taken steps to expand the In-Hospital School Programme (SDH) with an engagement and verification session held at Miri Hospital.
The initiative aims to ensure that children undergoing continuous hospital treatment are not deprived of access to education.
The session was attended by the Director of Miri Hospital, Dr. Jack Wong Siew Yu, alongside officials from the Day School Management Division (BPSH), Puan Siti Asmah binti Md Yusof and Puan Nor Zulaikha binti Che Mat.
Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort between healthcare and education authorities to strengthen the programme’s implementation.
Discussions during the session focused on several key aspects, including readiness, facilities, strategic collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
Officials emphasised that the expansion of SDH is not only about providing lessons but also about ensuring that students in hospital environments receive structured and effective educational support.
The In-Hospital School Programme has been recognised as a vital initiative in Malaysia, offering continuity in learning for children who face extended medical treatment.
By integrating education into hospital settings, the programme helps reduce disruption to students’ academic progress while also supporting their emotional well-being.
At Miri Hospital, the expansion is expected to improve facilities and resources, ensuring that teaching can be conducted in a conducive environment.
The verification session also addressed the importance of strategic partnerships, with stakeholders agreeing that collaboration between hospitals, education departments, and local communities is essential for success.
Officials noted that the programme’s sustainability depends on continuous improvement and monitoring. By assessing readiness and identifying gaps, the expansion aims to provide a more comprehensive framework that can be replicated across other hospitals in Sarawak.
Parents and educators have welcomed the initiative, recognising its role in bridging the gap between healthcare and education.
For many families, the SDH programme represents hope that children undergoing treatment can continue their studies without falling behind.
The session at Miri Hospital marks a significant step in strengthening access to education for hospitalised students.
With the expansion underway, the Sarawak State Education Department is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of health challenges, has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
