UTAR Hospital fully realised

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Hospital is now fully open to the public.

THE Western medical department at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Hospital in Kampar, Perak has officially opened its doors to the public.After receiving approval from the Health Ministry, the department’s services began on Aug 1 and includes out-patient specialist services, health screening and in-patient services.

UTAR Education Foundation board of trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum lauded university chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik for his efforts in making the hospital a reality.

“The push to build the hospital came from Dr Ling after the university started 20 years ago.

“Today, it is open to the public.

Dr Ling (centre) shaking hands with a visitor at UTAR Hospital during his visit.

“This long journey has been very meaningful for everyone, including the community,” he said after a visit.

UTAR Hospital board member Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat thanked the public who donated to the construction of the RM330mil not-for-profit medical institution.

“We appreciate the trust, generous support and contributions from donors and the public.

“They enabled UTAR to kickstart the construction of the hospital until its successful completion and start of operations,” he said.

Apart from Dr Ling, other visiting dignitaries included Toh Puan Ena Ling, UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh and UTAR vice-presidents Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong.

Also present were the hospital’s chief executive officer and board member Prof Dr Lau Hui-Ping and traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) director Dr Te Kian Keong.

The group visited various sections to meet with doctors, nurses, staff, patients and the public who were present.

In appreciation to the public and the community for their support, a five-day promotional health campaign was held.

Services included free medical consultation, mental health screening, body posture assessment, health talks, basic health tests and free digital chest X-ray screenings.

The teaching and community hospital is located near the university.

Its TCM centre, which offers Chinese, Ayurvedic and Malay medicine, has received more than 20,000 patients from throughout the country since it began operations in April last year.