KAMPAR: Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim graced the World Health Day 2026 celebration at Hospital Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
Her Royal Highness also marked the occasion with a visit to UTAR’s Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) centre, which is celebrating its fourth anniversary.
Besides visiting the exhibition booths, Tuanku Zara also presented gifts to dialysis patients.
At the T&CM centre, Tuanku Zara visited treatment rooms for Tui Na, acupuncture, Ayurveda and traditional Malay massage, 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 chief executive officer and medical director Datuk Dr Ding Lay Ming and T&CM centre director Assoc Prof Dr Te Kian Keong.
Chuah said the visit reflects Tuanku Zara’s 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 patients to date.
“These patients are not only from Kampar but other areas, including Kelantan and Cameron Highlands.
“Our centre goes beyond traditional Chinese medicine and incorporates other practices such as Ayurvedic and Malay traditional medicine as part of a broader integrative healthcare model,” he said.
According to Chuah, 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 underway to introduce a formal degree programme in the field,” he said.
Chuah also said 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.
Currently, he said the centre already functions as a training hub, receiving interns from within Malaysia, as well as from countries such as China, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
“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.
“As a not-for-profit hospital funded largely through donations, we are committed to providing affordable care with the setting up of a welfare fund.
“Among the initiatives is a ‘care now, pay later’ programme to assist patients who are unable to afford upfront treatment costs.
“Outreach programmes are regularly conducted in rural areas, including Chinese new villages, Orang Asli and fishing settlements, to provide health screenings and promote awareness,” he said.
Dr Ding said the programme is aimed to encourage greater awareness on health and well-being.
“In conjunction with the event, the hospital introduced a special rebate 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.
Dr Te said the centre has grown steadily in both services and public trust, reflecting increasing recognition within an integrative healthcare model.
