By Zaki Salleh
IPOH— The School in Hospital (SDH) programme officially began operations at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun on April 27 as an initiative to strengthen education among child patients.
The programme is supported by four teachers placed by the Perak State Education Department.
Its implementation is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Education Malaysia and the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
During an engagement session held on April 17, both parties expressed full commitment to ensuring the smooth execution of the programme.
Perak Education Department director Zulkafli Mohamed Mokhtar and HRPB director Dr Fakhruddin Amran stressed the importance of continuing education even while undergoing treatment.
Among the key objectives of the programme is to address learning dropout issues among students receiving treatment in hospital. It also provides a more organised and structured learning centre within the hospital environment.
Learning sessions will be tailored according to each student’s health condition and capability to ensure effective teaching and learning.
The initiative is expected to motivate young patients to continue pursuing knowledge despite facing health challenges.
Hospital authorities reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to ensuring every child has access to a conducive education environment throughout their treatment period.
As of March 2026, there are more than 20 School in Hospital programmes operating in hospitals nationwide, with plans to expand to more hospitals including those serving Orang Asli communities.
