Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 25: Father Muller Medical College Hospital celebrated World Pharmacist Day with enthusiasm and gratitude, recognising the dedicated services of pharmacists and allied pharmacy personnel who work tirelessly round the clock to ensure the safe and timely dispensing of medicines to patients and various departments of the hospital.
The celebration, held in the early hours of the day, brought together the pharmacy team to acknowledge their commitment, professionalism, and indispensable contribution to patient care. The programme was presided over by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, whose constant encouragement and support have been instrumental in the growth and development of the pharmacy department.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Sr Mary Zeenath Suares, pharmacy, who set the tone for the celebration by highlighting the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.” Quoting the words, “My words are antibiotics, my smile is analgesic, my touch is anti-inflammatory, my presence is antiseptic, my feeling is antipyretic. That’s why I am a pharmacist,” she reflected on the compassion, responsibility, and human connection that form an integral part of the pharmacist’s profession.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo appreciated the dedication of the pharmacy team and acknowledged the serious responsibility entrusted to pharmacists as the final point of contact between the healthcare system and the patient. Referring to the quotation shared during the welcome address, he suggested that it be framed and displayed prominently in the pharmacy so that it would continually remind every pharmacist of the meaning and responsibility attached to their profession.
The director observed that the anxiety and expectations of patients and their families are often clearly visible in the waiting area. Patients arrive with the hope of seeing their loved ones recover and return home, and the pharmacist, being among the final healthcare professionals they encounter, has an important role to play in offering reassurance, empathy, and hope.
He emphasised that while dispensing medicines is a professional responsibility, the manner in which pharmacists interact with patients is equally significant. “The consumer is king, and the responsibility for what is given to the consumer rests with the dispenser,” he noted, underscoring the importance of accuracy, accountability, and compassion in pharmaceutical services.
A cake-cutting ceremony formed part of the celebration, adding a spirit of fellowship and joy to the occasion.
The services and long-standing commitment of members of the pharmacy department were also recognised. Safia Thalachery, junior pharmacist, with 8 years and 6 months of service; Chaithra, junior pharmacist, with 7 years; Veena Lobo, senior clerk, with 29 years and 3 months; Mamatha, senior pharmacy assistant, with 18 years; Janaki, pharmacy assistant, with 17 years and 10 months; and Tharanath, senior attender, with 13 years and 4 months of service, were felicitated by the director for their dedicated contribution to the institution.
Shreyas, pharmacist, was specially honoured for his commendable commitment to voluntary blood donation, having donated blood 27 times, reflecting the spirit of service that extends beyond his professional responsibilities.
Expanded pharmacy services for greater patient convenience
The celebration also highlighted the recently expanded pharmacy facility at Father Muller Medical College Hospital. The new and spacious pharmacy has been developed with the aim of providing greater convenience, accessibility, and efficiency to both in-patients (IP) and out-patients (OP).
The expanded facility supports the institution’s “One Roof, One Stop” approach, enabling patients and their attendants to access pharmaceutical services in a more organised and convenient environment. The expansion is intended to streamline the dispensing process, reduce waiting time, and enhance the overall patient experience while ensuring that medicines are made available efficiently to the various departments and clinical services of the hospital.
The programme was attended by Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital; Fr William D’Souza, Fr John Vas, and Fr Ronald Lobo, spiritual animators; Dr Kishan Shetty, additional medical superintendent, FMMCH; the HR manager, finance officer, and senior administrative officer; Dr Manjunath, DTC chairman; and the liaison officer, along with members of the pharmacy department and allied staff.
The celebration served as a meaningful tribute to the pharmacists and pharmacy personnel of Father Muller, whose round-the-clock service, professional commitment, and compassion continue to strengthen the institution’s mission of healing and comforting those entrusted to its care. Sonali Rodrigues, operation executive of the pharmacy, rendered the vote of thanks.