Historicity of Father Muller Preserved for Posterity

  •   Sat, May 02 2026
  •   By Ivan Saldanha-Shet

May 2, 2026

The dedication through the years, since 1880, the hum of services and compassion at the Father Muller Medical College Hospital, the mission and vision of the hospital are held valid even to this day. Established in the year 1880 by Fr Augustus Muller SJ, (Born 13 March 1841 in Westphalia, Germany and died on 1 November 1910 at Kankanady) under a banyan tree dispensing homeopathic medicines on Idgah hill in central Mangaluru, of Karnataka has branched out into various medical and allied health institutions but firmly rooted in the mission of healing, caring and charity, now a full-fledged hospital. It started the School of Nursing which offered diplomas in general nursing and Midwifery (GNM) and later College of Nursing which offered degree in Bachelor of Nursing Science.

In 1989, Father Muller Institute of Medical Education and Research was duly constituted. Father Muller's Institute of Medical Education and Research (FMIMER) started in 1991 with postgraduate courses and then went on to include other courses under its banner, including the Bachelors in Physiotherapy (1994–95), MSc in Hospital Administration (1996) and Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) course in 1999. It was thereby was raised to the status of Medical College. Nearing 140 years of service, the institution has become a leader among the few to be nationally accredited in India and the first to in the state with National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) A+, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) certification, +, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Clinical Laboratories (NABL) and the Pharmacie De Quality by Bureau Veritas. The administration in itself is a Non-Profit organisation which caters to the need of the economically poor but offers an array of sophisticated and next-gen technology in health care, becoming a beacon to all in search of health. The accreditations and honours bestowed on the institute has arisen out of the singular dedicated quality services put in by the management and the staff in consistently providing efficient services with a human touch, to 'heal and Comfort' as its motto.

Currently, over 3,000 doctors, nurses, technical staff, paramedical and other health care providers are working for FMCI, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the bishop of Mangaluru is at the helm of the institution being its president. It is a shining modern state-of-the-art super speciality Medical Centre of the region set to develop and gain renowned for the best medical care - with a special atmosphere of generous classic medical facility.

Current director: The incumbent director of this Medical College Hospital since 2025, is seen as a divine blessing. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo: Born on April 22, 1963 at Berva, Thumbe of Bantwal parish, Fr Faustine did his early education in Modankap. He did his early studies in Bantwal and Manasagangotri, Mysore. A post graduate in Sociology Fr Faustine earned diploma in social development from the Coady International Institute, Canada. He also did his diploma in formation, certificate course in journalism and certificate course in participatory approaches to development.

Fr Faustine had joined the St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu in 1981 and was ordained as priest in 1990 at the Milagres Church, Mangaluru. Fr Faustine has been a renowned resource person on several subjects in social development and is known for his excellent communication skills. He was the only delegate from Karnataka to participate in the ‘Asian Mission Congress’ held at Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2006. As director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in India, Fr Faustine L Lobo responsibly worked for helping the cause of the missions at the national level. He also monitored the projects proposed and sanctioned by the congregation. Endowed with the rich experience he has gained in his diverse capacities at the diocese and under his able stewardship Fr Faustine was an asset to the Pontifical Mission Service which served as director.

Among designations held so far: Assistant and Acting Director: Bhalki Mission, Bidar (1990-1991), Assistant Parish Priest: Vittal parish, Mangalore diocese (1992-1994), Parish Priest: Miyapadav Parish, Mangalore diocese (1995-1996), Member: Editorial board of Mangalore diocesan weekly ‘RAKNNO’ (1994-1996), Director: Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP), Nanthoor - Mangalore (1998-2005) & Director: Catholic Charities (1998-2005), Director: Joseph, the Worker Agricultural School, Vamanjoor (1998-2002), Director: Institute for Social Development (ISD), Nanthoor (2002 -2005), Director: RUSEMP, Pakshikere. (2003-2005), Member: Karnataka Regional Organization for Social Service (KROSS), Bangalore (1998-2005) & honorary member since then.

Secretary: Mangalore Diocesan Finance Committee (1998-2005), Member: General Body, Father Muller's Charitable Institutions, Kankanady (1998-2005), Member: General body, St Joseph's Asylum Workshop, Jeppu Mangalore (1998-2005), Convener: Diocesan Project Selection Committee (DPSC), Mangalore (1998-2005), Convener: ‘Diocesan Pastoral Council Constitution’ Revising Committee (2001), Member: Regional Steering Committee (RSC), Karnataka - Caritas India (1999 - 2005), Member: Regional Project Selection Committee (RPSC), Karnataka - Caritas India (1999 - 2005)

Member: Regional Resource Team (RRT), Karnataka - Caritas India (1999 - 2005), Member: Steering Committee, Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor (2002- 2005). Member: District Vigilance Committee, Dakshina Kannada (2003-2005), Long term invitee: General Body and Governing Board of KROSS Bangalore (2005 - 2024), Delegate: ‘Asian Mission Congress’ Chiang Mai, Thailand (18th-22nd of Oct. 2006). Convener: ‘KRISTHOTSAVA’ (Karnataka Mission Congress), Bangalore (8th -10th 2007). The programme was for three days and over 800 delegates from all over Karnataka participated. Member: Executive Committee, Mangalore Diocesan Legal Cell (June 2010 - 2012), Coordinator (First): Karnataka Region Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee (KRPPC), Bangalore (28.06.2005-31.03.2012). Public Relations Officer (First): Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council – KRCBC (01.09. 2008 – 30.06.2010). Coordinator: Dealings with the ‘Justice B K Somashekara Commission of Enquiry’ inquiring about the Church attacks in Karnataka (2009 – 2011), presently holding most of these and more. Prominently featured in many TV and media programmes and many more prized activities.

Immediate Past Director: Fr Richard A Coelho, set the ball rolling in the day to day affairs of the institution and its sister concerns, continuing the legacy of Fr Augustus Muller. His acumen and work ethics come from serving the institutions as an administrator for seven years and then adorning the office of the director. The administrators of each sister concern work independently yet cohesively and meticulously in enhancing the infrastructure and the upkeep of human resources.

Father Muller Museum was set up by the Medical College, at Kankanady, Mangaluru in memory of its founder Fr Augustus Muller SJ. The museum was inaugurated as a part of the centenary celebrations (1910–2010), just on the way to the new sprawling 'chapel'. This museum housed in the very house that the saintly German priest and his associates lived for a while is well preserved. House holds the belongings, furniture he used, crockery, cutlery and stationary of Fr Augustus Muller, a German by Birth, his medical tools and homeopathic medicine chests are a wonder. It also has The Vatican calendar from 1800 to 2050, homoeopathic textbooks written by the late Fr Muller, it also has copies of marriage grant certificates which Fr Muller granted to eight couples between 1890 and 1892. There are many curios which highlight the culture and thinking of the times gone by, apart from religious habits. It is generally open on Sundays, requests can be made as per requirements. This simple collection is a must see for all connected with this august institution. This expose enhances the deep admiration for the founder who is seen as a virtual saint.

Father Muller Institutions since inception has been a bright beacon of hope for many, the sick and even job seekers in the city. Challenges have been overcome and opportunities appeared. It has provided care from birth to death with dignity and compassion to many. Amid huge competition it still upholds hope and compassion. The overwhelming support from benefactors from far and near, it marches on to 140 years of admired sacred fervour in 2020.

 

 

 

 
By Ivan Saldanha-Shet
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Comment on this article

  • Dr C Gengan, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

    Sun, May 03 2026

    Thank you Mr Ivan Saldanha for this very interesting and informative historical article on Fr Muller’s Hospital , started in 1880 by an compassionate and caring Fr Augustus Muller SJ who dispensed homeopathic medication from under a Banyan tree. It’s truly amazing and very heartwarming to see the institution’s tremendous growth and achievements over the years . May it continue to grow from strength to strength.


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