As Klang Valley continues to urbanise and its population expands, the need for accessible, efficient, and specialised healthcare services has become evident.

In response to the growing demands for quality private healthcare in Cheras, Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras (CAH Cheras) has embarked on a major expansion, set to redefine how care is delivered. Spanning 40,000 sq ft across two interconnected buildings, the development has significantly improved patient flow, service capacity, and the hospital’s readiness for complex cases.

Since its establishment in February 2011, CAH Cheras has grown into one of the region’s most trusted neighbourhood hospitals. Over the past 15 years, it has cared for more than 1.3 million patients, delivering accessible, modern, and community-focused healthcare.

“Healthcare demands are evolving rapidly. We are seeing a rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and cancer, an ageing population, and greater expectations for faster, more specialised care. This expansion allows us to respond more effectively to these changing needs,” said Engku Marina Engku Hatim, Regional CEO of Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras.

One of the central priorities of the expansion is to improve operational efficiency, particularly during peak demand periods. With capacity set to increase from 78 to 180 beds, alongside additional consultation rooms and expanded treatment areas, the hospital is better equipped to streamline patient flow and significantly reduce waiting times.

The need for after-hours medical services

“The development will be rolled out in three phases. The first phase introduces evening clinics and ambulatory care centres, designed to extend access to care beyond regular operating hours. This directly responds to a longstanding challenge, where patients often turn to the emergency department after 5 pm, when specialist clinics are closed. Rather than waiting for the next available appointment, many seek immediate attention, contributing to congestion in emergency services,” said Engku Marina.

The second phase will focus on expanding the emergency department to better manage critical cases, while the third phase will see the enhancement of operating theatres to support growing surgical demand.

CAH also offers comprehensive health screening services, providing a convenient and appropriate alternative for non-urgent care. Each screening adopts a multidisciplinary approach, enabling patients to consult physicians, dietitians and dietetic counsellors within a single visit. This integrated model plays a vital role in addressing the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, supporting more coordinated and proactive care.

Expanding specialised care

In line with rising demands for specialised treatments, the hospital has expanded its medical team to 80 consultants and introduced new disciplines such as neurosurgery, nephrology, and advanced endoscopic surgery.“Neurosurgery was identified as a key area due to both our location and the growing needs of the community. Being situated along a major roadway, we frequently receive emergency cases, particularly from road traffic accidents. In the past, patients requiring specialised neurosurgical care had to be transferred to other hospitals, which could delay critical treatment,” said Engku Marina.

“Recognising this gap, we saw a clear need to bring neurosurgical services in-house to provide faster, more comprehensive care. We are also seeing increasing demand across other areas, including dialysis services, which reflects the broader rise in chronic diseases within the community. These trends have guided our decision to expand our range of specialised services,” she explained.

Apart from the new specialties, the hospital also offers a comprehensive range of medical services across multiple specialties. These include Cardiology (Heart care), Obstetrics & Gynecology (Women’s health and maternity), Pediatrics (Child health), Orthopedic Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology (Eye care), Urology, and Radiology.

Technology that enhances precision and recovery

Technology plays a central role in the hospital’s expansion, with new systems and equipment integrated to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness.

In January 2026, CAH Cheras marked a major milestone in its orthopedic services with the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted bilateral total knee replacement (TKR). This advancement enhances surgical planning and precision in implant positioning, and when used appropriately within a multidisciplinary setting, can improve alignment accuracy and consistency, potentially leading to more predictable patient outcomes and smoother rehabilitation.

From advanced imaging technologies to minimally invasive surgical tools, these innovations enable clinicians to deliver more precise and efficient care.

“Technology allows us to make better-informed decisions and offer less invasive treatments, with faster recovery times. Ultimately, it improves the overall patient experience,” said Engku Marina.

Healthcare that evolves with the community

As healthcare needs continue to evolve, CAH Cheras is already looking toward the future. The expansion reflects a broader commitment to staying responsive to the community’s changing needs, from rising chronic diseases to higher expectations for convenience and quality of care.

“Healthcare is constantly changing, and we must evolve with it,” she emphasises. “Our goal is to continue expanding our capabilities in a way that truly benefits the community — not just today, but in the years to come.”

Discover how Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras is transforming healthcare access, explore its expanded services and what it means for you and your family at https://www.columbiaasia.com/malaysia/hospitals/cheras/