RESIDENTS in Perak will have greater access to specialist surgical services following the opening of Faculty of Specialists Hospital (FSH) Ipoh, which aims to reduce the need for patients to travel to other states for complex procedures.
The hospital, housed in the refurbished premises of the former Hospital Ar-Ridzuan, has brought together specialists in ear, nose and throat (ENT), urology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and orthopaedics.
Its founding resident surgeons are Datuk Dr Periyathamby Sinnathamby, Professor Dr Azad Hassan Abdul Razak and Professor Dr Alizan Abdul Khalil. They are joined by Dr Rajkumar Veerakumaran, who specialises in orthopaedics, joint replacement and pain intervention.
According to FSH, the four specialists have more than a century of combined experience in Malaysia’s public and university hospitals, and have trained generations of medical practitioners.
The opening comes as Perak faces growing demand for healthcare services from its ageing population. The Department of Statistics Malaysia’s 2026 estimates show that 10.8% of the state’s population is aged 65 and above, compared with the national average of 8.4%.
FSH chief executive officer Azhar Harun said the hospital was established to bring specialist surgical services closer to patients in Ipoh.
“For too long in Ipoh, the answer has been Kuala Lumpur or Penang and that is not a sustainable way to deliver care. Today, with our new hospital, we are changing that answer,” he said.
He added that the hospital was equipped with dedicated surgical wards and operating theatres, as well as a 24-hour emergency team.
Addressing demand for specialist treatment
An ageing population brings greater demand for treatment of conditions including cancers of the head, neck, prostate, bladder and kidney, alongside joint degeneration, fractures and other age-related ailments.
Malaysia also faces shortages of specialist doctors. The Health Ministry has projected a need for 22,435 specialists by 2030, with recent figures indicating a substantial gap between demand and the number available to provide specialist services.
FSH said its specialists would be able to take on planned surgical cases in Ipoh, while providing senior specialist support when urgent cases arise.
In urology, Professor Dr Azad brings experience in treating cancers of the prostate, bladder and kidney. He was involved in the development of urology as a distinct specialty in Malaysia and has worked in complex procedures, including kidney transplantation.
The need for earlier diagnosis is particularly important in prostate cancer. The Malaysia National Cancer Registry’s 2017–2021 report found that 67% of recorded cases were diagnosed at Stage III or IV.
Datuk Dr Periyathamby, who has more than 40 years of medical experience, specialises in ENT conditions, including head and neck tumours. He previously served at Penang General Hospital and has trained generations of ENT surgeons.
He also advocates early intervention for hearing problems, particularly among children, where undiagnosed hearing loss can affect communication, learning and development.
His approach emphasises that surgery is not always necessary, and that treatment decisions must prioritise patient safety. He also highlighted the importance of nursing and support teams in ensuring good surgical outcomes and aftercare.
Restoring function and mobility
Professor Dr Alizan brings expertise in trauma care, burn management, tissue reconstruction and complex wound treatment. His work includes oncoplastic surgery and microsurgical tissue transfer.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery, he said, goes beyond appearance, playing an important role in restoring function and helping patients recover after trauma, disease or major surgery.
Meanwhile, Dr Rajkumar’s orthopaedic practice covers knee and hip replacements, shoulder reconstruction and surgery for knee and shoulder injuries.
He has completed advanced training in robotic knee replacement in India and has performed more than 1,300 joint replacement procedures, according to FSH.
His services also include diabetic wound care and chronic pain management, with treatment aimed at improving mobility and helping patients maintain their independence.
Building access closer to home
Beyond its surgical specialities, FSH said its emergency department is supported by in-house medical officers and senior specialist cover.
The hospital aims to provide patients with access to specialist assessment, surgery and follow-up care without having to travel outside Perak for treatment.
For appointments or further information, the hospital can be contacted at [email protected]. ‒ Nov 3, 2026
