The UTAR Hospital T&CM Centre has been fully operational since April 2022 and the centre has been providing TCM services, and prescribing medicinal herbs at affordable prices in support for the community.

According to herbalist Mr Koo Chee Keong, the herbs used at the T&CM centre are quality raw materials (original dried plant/raw materials) imported from China, not imported as powder base. This ensures better grade raw materials and more genuine herbs, which are of better quality with better efficacy. The price of each packet of decocted herb ranges from RM2.50 to RM8.00, which is very affordable considering the quality of the imported raw material herbs used. However, the T&CM Centre views this as giving back to the community to thank them for the support for the hospital.

According to Mr Koo, in 2022 alone, more than 6 tons of herbs were imported from China and there are more than 290 different types of herbs used at the centre. The T&CM Centre has more than 3,500 patient visits each month and each patient has his /her own herbal formula for treatment. The decoction machine will pack the herbal formula into individual packets to be taken each time by the patients.

The T&CM Centre has a fully functional herbal dispensary with qualified herbalists working closely with the TCM practitioners to ensure effective treatment. Each patient has his own specific herbal formulation for specific treatments and the herbs are decocted within the dispensary where all the decoction machines are kept.

Currently, at the T&CM Centre, there are 3 sets of the 20L decoction machines, 1 set of the 30L decoction machine, and 2 more sets of the 20L decoction machines which are coming. Each set comes complete with decoction and packaging.

The decoction machine uses high temperature and pressure to boil the medicinal herbs and extract its essence. Due to its airtight nature, the aromatic herbs are retained for clinical efficacy. The process of decoction affects the curative effects of the herbs. The pressure and temperature of the decoction machines also kill bacteria and spores.

The whole process of decoction and packaging is a closed process which prevents contamination and ensures sterility. This process also retains the medicinal essence of the herbs. The machine also ensures correct measurement and formulation of the herbs for equal distribution and consistency.

There are 3 qualified herbalists at the T&CM Centre, Mr Koo Chee Keong (Head), Ms Kuat Shu Fen and Mr Koh Woon Fooi. The centre has TCM students who do their practical training there and provide additional assistance while they learn on the job.