Hospital Fatimah celebrates 50 glorious years

On December 7, 2024, Hospital Fatimah marked its 50th Golden Jubilee with a Gala Dinner, celebrating five decades of exceptional healthcare and community service.

Dec 21, 2024


IPOH: On December 7, 2024, Hospital Fatimah marked its 50th Golden Jubilee with a Gala Dinner, celebrating five decades of exceptional healthcare and community service. The event brought together distinguished guests and dignitaries, including Cardinal Sebastian Francis, who delivered the welcoming address. It was a momentous occasion to honour the hospital’s enduring commitment to compassionate care, a legacy built on its founding principles of integrity, compassion, and service.

The journey of Hospital Fatimah began in 1953 when the Brothers of Mercy, also known as the German Doctors, arrived in the Kinta Valley with the mission of providing healthcare to the local community. This noble endeavour culminated in the official opening of Hospital Fatimah on December 7, 1974, by the late Sultan of Perak, DYMM Sultan Idris Shah.

Today, the hospital stands as a beacon of hope and healing, continuously upholding these values in its service to the people of Ipoh, Perak, and beyond. Cardinal Sebastian shared that they had the gracious presence of HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah and HRH Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Zara Salim of Perak at the 50th Golden Jubilee Launch and Plaque Signing Ceremony earlier in the day.

In his address, Cardinal Sebastian reflected on the hospital’s legacy and the significant role of the Brothers of Mercy, whose motherhouse is in Trier, Germany, along with the Franciscan Sisters from Salzkotten, Germany, and the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering dedication to healthcare. He highlighted the hospital's guiding principles: Strength in Purpose, Gentle in Action, which have been the foundation of its success.

“As we celebrate this golden milestone, we also honour the values that have guided us through the years,” Cardinal Sebastian shared. “Compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of service have been at the heart of everything we do. These values have not only defined our past but also light the path to our future.” He added that Hospital Fatimah has faithfully upheld the mission words of the congregation founder, The Blessed Peter Friedhofen: “To care for the sick as well as possible in every aspect.”

As part of the celebration, the cardinal requested the band to perform Edelweiss, a song symbolic of true love and sacrifice, in tribute to the Brothers of Mercy. The rare Edelweiss flower, which grows in the Alps, was a fitting tribute to the Brothers’ decades of dedication and selfless service.

The evening took an emotional turn when Fr Michael Cheah, Chairman of the Board of Directors, announced a generous bonus for the hospital’s staff. In recognition of their hard work and dedication, the staff of Hospital Fatimah would receive a bonus of 2 ½ months’ salary, with a minimum bonus of RM5,000.

Bro Peter Berg, representing Brother Benedikt Molitor, the Superior General of the Brothers of Mercy, also took the stage to acknowledge the significant contributions of the religious order. He reflected on the 20-year journey of fundraising and planning that led to the establishment of Hospital Fatimah, and expressed gratitude for the tireless work of doctors, nurses, and staff in providing exemplary care.

Cardinal Sebastian concluded the evening by thanking everyone who has supported the hospital’s mission, emphasising that this success was only possible through the collective effort of all those involved. “This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our Brothers of Mercy, FMDM Sisters, Board of Directors, clergy, consultants, doctors, nurses, staff, and friends of Hospital Fatimah,” he said. “We also extend our gratitude to the people of Ipoh, Perak, and beyond for their contributions. Your belief in our vision and continued support have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. The Legacy Continues.”

The Gala Dinner was attended by distinguished members of the Board of Directors, Perak State Health EXCO YB Sivanesan Achalingam, healthcare professionals, and friends of the hospital.

Hospital Fatimah has grown over the past 50 years, expanding the range of medical treatments and care offered, including pastoral care to address the holistic well-being of patients. The hospital has maintained ISO certification from 1999 to 2022 and MSQH Certification Awards from 2006 to 2028, reflecting the high quality, commitment, and professionalism of all staff.

As the hospital embarks on the next chapter of its journey, it remains committed to serving the community with the same values that have defined it for five decades. The 50th Golden Jubilee celebration not only reflects on the hospital’s past achievements but also looks forward to a future of continued growth and service to the people of Ipoh and beyond. With gratitude to Almighty God, Hospital Fatimah looks forward to many more years of making a difference in the lives of its patients and the community.

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