SANDAKAN: A planting programme was held for patients at Duchess of Kent Hospital here.
The programme, led by the the hospital's Psychiatry and Mental Health Department together with the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture (FPL) at UMS Sandakan Campus, aims to introduce agriculture-based therapeutic activities to improve patients’ mental and physical wellbeing.
UMS–HDOK Community Programme Advisor, Dr. Siti Suliza Salamat, said plants were chosen as a rehabilitation medium due to their calming nature, ease of management, and ability to help patients build positive daily routines.
“Patients have the opportunity to learn how to manage emotions, improve focus, and build self-confidence as they witness the results of their own efforts.
“The programme runs for three months from 1 September to 30 November 2025,” she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the hospital Mentari Patient Therapy Programme Coordinator, Dr. Rozelle Ashwini Walters, said eight rehabilitation patients and 11 healthcare staff took part in a series of visits and knowledge-sharing sessions held throughout the programme.
According to her, learning in a natural environment helps boost patients’ motivation, concentration, and social interaction.
HDOK Occupational Therapy Medical Rehabilitation Officer and therapeutic planting activity manager, Abd Malik Talinasis, said the approach demonstrates strong potential as a practical and easily applied rehabilitation support method.
“Seeing the patients’ positive progress, we hope the programme can be continued and expanded so more patients can benefit,” he said.
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