Sandakan’s Duchess of Kent Hospital running dry: Water supply shortage shuts operating theatres, slashes dialysis

Sandakan’s Duchess of Kent Hospital running dry: Water supply shortage shuts operating theatres, slashes dialysis



The Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) in Sandakan is grappling with a severe water shortage that has badly disrupted its operations, affecting operating theatres, the haemodialysis unit, and key support services such as laundry and the hospital canteen. — Picture by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

Monday, 15 Sep 2025 3:38 PM MYT


KOTA KINABALU, Sept 15 — The Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) in Sandakan is facing a critical water supply shortage, severely disrupted its operations, including operating theatres, the haemodialysis unit, and essential support services such as laundry and the hospital canteen.

A hospital worker described the situation as “critical” since water supply from the Segaliud treatment plant was cut off yesterday.


In an unverified memo seen by Malay Mail, Hospital Director Dr Fahmie Othman said that as of this morning, water pressure remained at 0.0 bar, with no inflow from the Segaliud plant.

“Tank levels were running dangerously low, despite six water delivery trips made by the state water department (JANS) and third-party contractors, supported by additional deliveries from the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS).


“Despite maximising tanker deliveries, the supply is still unable to meet the hospital’s daily needs,” the memo said.

It also said the lack of water has forced shut down of the main operating theatres after building chillers were switched off, leaving only one emergency theatre functional while the haemodialysis unit is running on half capacity and unable to accommodate additional patients from private centres seeking assistance.

The memo claimed that the laundry plant has shut down completely, causing severe shortages of clean linens for wards, ICU and operating theatres while the hospital canteen has suspended services due to the lack of water, though the main kitchen continues to function with limited reserves.


Emergency measures outlined in the memo include postponing elective surgeries, rationing linens, maximising alcohol-based hand rubs in place of water-based hygiene, and temporarily shutting down non-clinical facilities to conserve water.

If the situation persists over the next six to 12 hours, the hospital faces severe restrictions on surgical capacity, will be unable to sustain dialysis treatments, and will face shortages of clean linens and sanitation supplies while patients and staff will have to struggle with shut-down chillers and limited food service.

The hospital has appealed to the authorities to increase water tanker deliveries, prioritising critical zones such as the haemodialysis unit, intensive care unit and operating theatres in the morning and day time.

Malay Mail has reached out to State Health Department for comment.

Sandakan has been plagued with water shortage issues for years, with lawmakers and community leaders regularly urging action.