Education Ministry to expand School-in-Hospital programme to Gombak
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry plans to expand the School-in-Hospital (SDH) programme to Hospital Orang Asli Gombak by the end of this year, says minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said the Education Ministry and the Health Ministry are currently making thorough preparations to ensure Orang Asli children do not fall behind in their education while receiving treatment in hospital.
“To date, more than 50,000 students have benefited from the SDH programme, which is implemented in 19 healthcare facilities and has produced several success stories.
“For instance, for the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, 91% of the students passed and qualified for a certificate,” she told reporters yesterday, Bernama reported.
Fadhlina said this after the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Education Ministry and the Health Ministry for the implementation of the programme, as well as its launch at the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (HRC).
Also present was Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Currently, there are 19 SDH centres nationwide – 16 located in healthcare facilities under the Health Ministry, while the remaining centres are based in teaching hospitals managed by universities.
The SDH programme is a specialised, formal and structured educational service designed to cater to the readiness and capabilities of students undergoing treatment in hospitals.
The teaching and learning process is flexible, with a focus on fun and engaging activities conducted in a comfortable and conducive environment.
Dzulkefly said the HRC is the 16th facility under the ministry to adopt the SDH programme, following its initial implementation at Hospital Tunku Azizah in July 2011.
“At HRC alone, 118 students have been registered, with total attendance exceeding 1,300.
“These are not just numbers – they represent stories of hope, resilience and an unwavering spirit to continue learning despite serious health challenges,” he said.
