- Malaysia’s Ministry of Education expands the School in Hospital (SDH) program to ensure students receiving medical treatment continue learning.
- SDH now operates in 20 hospitals nationwide, recently reaching Seberang Jaya Hospital in Penang, benefiting over 400,000 students.
- The initiative supports inclusive education, combining academic, emotional, and social care, aligning with the Malaysia Education Plan 2026-2035.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) is taking significant steps to ensure that every student in Malaysia has access to quality learning, including those undergoing medical treatment in hospitals. According to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, the government is committed to making sure that children facing health challenges do not fall behind academically. To achieve this, the MOE is working closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to implement the innovative School in Hospital (SDH) program.
Since its inception, the SDH program has grown to encompass 20 hospitals nationwide, benefiting more than 400,000 students. This initiative allows children receiving treatment to continue their education in a supportive and flexible environment, ensuring that their learning journey remains uninterrupted despite health obstacles. Minister Fadhlina highlighted the latest milestone in the program, with its expansion to Seberang Jaya Hospital, marking the first implementation of SDH in Penang. This development demonstrates the government’s commitment to making inclusive education a reality across the country.
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The efforts to support hospitalized students are part of a broader vision outlined in the Malaysia Education Plan (RPM) 2026-2035, which emphasizes inclusive education and equitable access for all learners. By integrating hospital-based schooling into the national education framework, the MOE aims to address the unique needs of every child, ensuring that no student is left behind due to health challenges. Educators, parents, and healthcare professionals are working together to create a seamless learning experience, highlighting the importance of collaboration between education and healthcare sectors.
For students enrolled in the SDH program, the initiative provides not only academic continuity but also emotional and social support, helping them remain connected with their peers and school community. As Malaysia continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive and equitable education, programs like SDH serve as a vital reminder that learning should be accessible to every child, regardless of circumstance.
