KAMPAR: The Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim graced the World Health Day 2026 celebration at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Hospital here on Thursday (April 2).
She also visited UTAR Hospital’s Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Centre in conjunction with its fourth anniversary.
At the hospital, Tuanku Zara visited the health exhibition booths, as well as presented gifts to patients undergoing dialysis treatment.
Over the T&CM centre, Tuanku Zara visited the Tui Na, acupuncture, Ayurveda and Malay Traditional massage treatment rooms, as well as the herbal dispensary unit.
Among those present were Perak Mentri Besar’s wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, UTAR pro-chancellor Tan Sri Wong See Wah, its Education Foundation board of trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum, UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, hospital board chairman Tan Sri Dr Chuah Hean Teik, hospital’s chief executive officer and medical director Datuk Dr Ding Lay Ming, and T&CM centre director Associate Prof Dr Te Kian Keong.
At a press conference later Chuah said the visit of her Royal Highness reflects keen interest in the development of T&CM and its role alongside Western medical practices.
He said the centre established in April 2022, has treated more than 167,000 patient visits to date, with patients coming not only from Kampar but also from other regions including Kelantan and Cameron Highlands.
Chuah stressed that T&CM at the hospital goes beyond traditional Chinese medicine, incorporating other practices such as Ayurvedic and Malay traditional medicine as part of a broader integrative healthcare model.
“The Ayurvedic segment, in particular, has received support from the Indian government, including the placement of specialists and an academic chair to help develop training programmes, and courses.
“Plans are also underway to eventually introduce a formal degree programme in the field,” he said. Chuah also said that the long-term goal of the hospital is to evolve into a full-fledged teaching hospital, leveraging its growing patient base, case diversity and ongoing collaborations with local and international institutions.
He said currently the T&CM centre already functions as a training hub, receiving interns from within Malaysia as well as from countries such as China, Hong Kong and the Britain.
“Efforts are also being made to integrate T&CM and Western medicine more closely, with selected patients undergoing joint assessments by practitioners from both disciplines to determine the most suitable course of treatment.
“Such integration is carried out in strict compliance with guidelines set by the Health Ministry,” he said.
Chuah added as a not-for-profit institution funded largely through donations, the hospital emphasised its commitment to providing affordable care, and established a welfare fund.
He said among its initiatives is a “care now, pay later” programme to assist patients who are unable to afford upfront treatment costs.
“The hospital is also enhancing its medical capabilities, including the upcoming installation of a digital PET/CT scanner.
“Outreach programmes are regularly conducted in rural communities, including Chinese New villages, Orang Asli, and fishing settlements, to provide health screenings and promote awareness,” he said.
Chuah said the broader aim is to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare by offering quality treatment at more affordable rates, while maintaining high medical standards.
“With the support of the community, government and healthcare partners, we hope to build a sustainable model that delivers accessible, integrated and patient-centred care for Perak and beyond,” he said.
Dr Ding said the celebration aimed to encourage greater awareness on health and well-being.
“In conjunction with the event, the hospital introduced a special rebate programme for patients undergoing total knee replacement, and total hip replacement surgeries.
“Backed by a RM1mil allocation, the initiative is expected to benefit about 200 patients, with priority given to senior citizens in Perak,” she said.
T&CM director Dr Te Kian Keong said the centre has grown steadily in both services and public trust, reflecting increasing recognition within an integrative healthcare model.
