Julita delivering her speech at the programme
KOTA KINABALU: Often working behind the scenes, radiographers play an important yet sometimes overlooked role in healthcare, contributing not only to medical imaging but also to diagnosis, treatment planning and patient care.
Sabah Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Julita Mojungki said radiographers are an integral part of the healthcare system, with responsibilities requiring technical expertise, clinical judgement, precision and a strong sense of professional responsibility.
She said the public often associated radiographers primarily with operating X-ray and scanning equipment, when their actual responsibilities extended much further, particularly in supporting doctors’ clinical decisions and ensuring patients received appropriate treatment.
“Every imaging procedure and radiotherapy session requires careful planning, technical accuracy and professional judgement. These responsibilities are essential in supporting accurate diagnoses and ensuring treatment is delivered according to clinical requirements,” she said.
She said this when officiating the 2026 World Radiography Day celebration here today, themed “Radiographers: Empowering Patients, Advancing Healthcare” and attended by around 120 diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers.
Julita also highlighted the importance of the human aspect of radiography, noting that patients undergoing medical imaging and treatment could experience anxiety, discomfort or uncertainty.
“Beyond technical responsibilities, radiographers also play an important role in helping patients understand medical procedures, addressing their concerns and ensuring they feel comfortable, respected and safe throughout their care,” she said.
She added that the profession required a balance between technological competency and compassion, as advances in medical equipment and treatment methods should always translate into better patient experiences and healthcare outcomes.
With the continued development of digital imaging, artificial intelligence and modern radiotherapy techniques, Julita said radiographers must also remain committed to strengthening their knowledge and professional competencies.
However, she stressed that technology should complement rather than replace the professional judgement and patient-centred approach required in delivering healthcare services.
Also present were Malaysian Society of Radiographers (MSR) President Ts Sawal Marsait and Sabah State Health Department (JKNS) Director Datuk Dr William Gotulis.
