UTAR Hospital marked a significant milestone as it entered its third year of operations with an official launch graced by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah, on 19 February 2025 in Kampar.

His Royal Highness was accompanied by the Menteri Besar of Perak Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad; UTAR Hospital Board Chairman Ir Academician Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Chuah Hean Teik; UTAR Education Foundation (UEF) Board of Trustees Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sak Cheng Lum; Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Jen. Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri (Dr) Mohd Zahidi bin Haji Zainuddin; Perak State Assembly Speaker Dato’ Mohamad Zahir Abdul Khalid; and Secretary of the State of Perak Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi bin Abdul Rahim.

The launch was officiated by His Royal Highness, who formally declared the opening of UTAR Hospital. This was followed by a symbolic launching ceremony and the signing of a commemorative plaque on stage, marking a historic milestone for the hospital.

Tan Sri Academician Prof Chuah expressed his gratitude to His Royal Highness for gracing and officiating the launch and acknowledged the support of donors in making the hospital a reality. He highlighted that UTAR Hospital was established as a not-for-profit healthcare institution aimed at serving the community through accessible and holistic medical care.

He added, “UTAR Hospital was a natural progression following the establishment of the M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) at UTAR Sungai Long Campus in 2009. Announced in 2014 by then UTAR Council Chairman, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, the plan to establish a specialist training hospital led to its strategic location at UTAR Kampar Campus, serving nearby communities in Perak and beyond. Developed in phases, it currently features a 250-bed facility for Western medicine and 100 beds for traditional and complementary medicine, with plans for future expansion. The hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services, including outpatient and inpatient care, diagnostic and treatment centres, and research and education facilities.”

Tan Sri Academician Prof Chuah stated that UTAR Hospital follows the same principle as UTAR, “by the people, for the people”, as it is established as a self-sustained and not-for-profit hospital. He emphasised, “The initial cost of construction, facilities, and medical equipment amounted to RM300 million. To raise funds, activities such as tree-planting projects, charity concerts, and dinners were organised, while the hospital also received the trust and generous support of many organisations, philanthropists, donors, and individuals. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, which have allowed us to bring this meaningful initiative to life.”

Also present at the launch of UTAR Hospital were UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, and his spouse, Toh Puan Ena Ling; Orang Besar Jajahan Kampar Toh Sedewa Raja Dato’ Abdul Talib bin Abdul Fahmi; Yang DiPertua Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Perak Darul Ridzuan Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Annuar bin Zaini; Pegawai Daerah Pejabat Daerah dan Tanah Kampar Tuan Nazrul Fazami bin Mohamad; UTAR Council Chairman and Board of Trustees Member Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh; UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Medical Director of UTAR Hospital Dato’ Dr Ding Lay Ming; Tan Sri Sak’s spouse Puan Sri Irene Sak; UTAR Council Member and MCA President Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong; Member of the Board of Trustees TAR UMT Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai; Members of the UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees, UTAR Council, and UTAR Hospital Board; MCA members; donors; Members of the Cabinet; Members of the Parliament; Perak State Executive Council Members; the Heads of the Perak State agencies; dignitaries; government agencies; distinguished guests; UTAR Hospital staff; and UTAR staff, students and alumni.

Since commencing operations, UTAR Hospital has experienced rapid growth. As of January 2025, the hospital has recorded over 130,000 patient visits and follow-ups, highlighting its role in providing accessible healthcare services to the Kampar and Perak communities.

UTAR Hospital commenced operations with the opening of the T&CM Centre in April 2022, followed by the Western Medical Centre in August 2023. The hospital integrates both Western medicine and traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM), offering services in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and Malay traditional medicine.

The medical team comprises resident specialists in Internal Medicine, Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Dental & Oral Surgery, supported by Medical Officers.

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT), ophthalmology, and cardiology services will be introduced in the middle of this year. In addition, the hospital will, in the near future, focus on niche areas such as keyhole and robotic surgeries, oncology, cardiovascular and cardiothoracic services, stem cell applications for regenerative medicine, advanced cell-based therapies like immunotherapy, and advanced stroke care.

UTAR Hospital adopts a holistic approach to healthcare, balancing modern medicine with preventive treatment approaches and community health initiatives. The UTAR Hospital T&CM Centre aims to enhance understanding and promote a broader and more effective use of traditional and complementary treatments in the modern medical landscape.

As UTAR Hospital continues to grow, it remains committed to delivering affordable and high-quality healthcare services while upholding the highest industry standards and best practices. As a teaching hospital, it stands out by providing exceptional medical care while also serving as a hub for training and research, benefiting UTAR students and academic staff in the fields of medicine and health sciences.