History of USM Health Campus

In February 1979, the Prime Minister, YAB Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, announced the government's decision to establish a third Faculty of Medicine at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) after creating similar faculties at the University of Malaya (UM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). This campus began full operations in June 1983 to accommodate the School of Medical Sciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, and supporting departments such as the library, student hostels, nurses' hostels, and doctors' quarters. Phase I of the project involved the construction of lecture halls, laboratories, a sports complex, clinics, student accommodation, and office spaces, which were completed in May 1990. The Medical Science Centre moved to Kubang Kerian in June 1990. Phase II of the project was completed in 1996, and it included wards, lecture halls, laboratories, and office spaces.

Key Components of USM Health Campus

• University Hospital (1983)
• School of Medical Sciences (1979)
• School of Dental Sciences (1998)
• School of Health Sciences (1999)
• Institute for Molecular Medicine Research (2003)
• Clinical Research Platform (2003)
• Health Sciences and Biomedical Research (2004)
• Departments under the Director's Office

We are committed to achieving the mission and vision of USM through:

• Empowering students with the values and characteristics that are accepted in local & global markets.
• Empowering researchers to improve the research & innovation that are recognised and make an impact on society and the survival of a sustainable world.
• Strengthening academic excellence through continuous professional development and keeping abreast with technology.
• Educating and strengthening efforts to realise the sustainability agenda of the University.
• Strengthening University collaborations in various local & global strategic networks.
• Strengthening the governance of the University through the improvement of quality & continuous professional development

The Health Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is located in Kubang Kerian, approximately 5 kilometers from the city centre of Kota Bharu—the capital of Kelantan—and about 450 kilometers from Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. Kubang Kerian is accessible from Kuala Lumpur via various land and air transportation options.

• By Air

The nearest airport is Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) in Kota Bharu, located in Pengkalan Chepa, approximately 10 kilometers away from the campus. A direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu takes only about one hour. Several airlines operate daily services on this route, including Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, AirAsia, and Batik Air.

• By Train

Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Kubang Kerian is also possible via rail. The nearest train station is Wakaf Bharu, which is situated less than 15 kilometers from the USM Health Campus. Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) operates daily train services connecting Kuala Lumpur to Tumpat. Passengers heading to the Health Campus can disembark at Wakaf Bharu station and take a taxi to the campus, which takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

• By Road

There are three main road routes from Kuala Lumpur to Kubang Kerian: via the East Coast Expressway (LPT) through Terengganu, the Gua Musang route, or the East-West Highway through Grik, Perak. Several public bus operators run services from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan, departing from the Gombak Integrated Terminal (TBG). Passengers heading to the USM Health Campus may choose to alight at either Kubang Kerian or Kota Bharu.