Digitalising Healthcare in Sabah: Why Online Appointments Must Match Development

This commentary explores Sabah’s move toward online healthcare appointments and why digital systems cannot be treated as a one size fits all solution. It situates recent public concern over online booking within Sabah’s uneven development, limited connectivity in rural areas, and the continued reliance on physical clinic access among older adults and low income communities. Rather than rejecting digitalisation, the article argues for a paced and inclusive approach where online appointments complement existing services, ensuring efficiency gains do not come at the cost of equity and access.