Media Release
Mangaluru, May 3: A new chapter in dermatological care was inaugurated at Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) with the launch of its upgraded Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD) and state-of-the-art Aesthetic Dermatology Clinic.
The inauguration and blessing were led by Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), at the second floor of the Utility Building at 3:30 pm. He invoked blessings upon the healthcare professionals and patients who will benefit from the enhanced facility.
The event was graced by distinguished international dignitaries, including Dr Lucinda Claire Fuller, chairperson of the International Foundation of Dermatology and International League of Dermatology, and Dr Hassan Galadari, secretary of the International Society of Dermatology, president of the Asian Dermatology Society, and former secretary of the International League of Dermatological Societies.
Dr Fuller lauded the OPD’s impressive infrastructure and patient load, stating that it holds immense potential to reduce the burden of skin diseases in the region. She also offered prayers for the continued guidance and healing work of the clinic’s team.
Dr Galadari echoed her sentiments, commending the scale and scope of the facility, and highlighted the need to translate knowledge into better diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes.
In his address, Fr Richard Coelho highlighted the unique legacy of the department, which began its Postgraduate MD Dermatology programme in 1991, eight years before the launch of the MBBS course in 1999 —a rare distinction shared by only two other institutions in India. He attributed this achievement to the department’s historic commitment to leprosy care and the vision of the institution’s founder, Fr Augustus Muller, SJ.
Fr Ajith B Menezes, administrator of FMMC, FMCOAHS, and FMCOP, was appreciated for steering the renovation efforts in compliance with National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, ensuring both aesthetic and structural enhancement. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira and Fr Nilesh Crasta, Administrators at FMMCH, were also acknowledged for their logistical coordination and support.
Dr Ramesh Bhat, head of Research at FMCI and former head of the Department of Dermatology, praised the management’s foresight in establishing a comprehensive aesthetic dermatology facility that bridges medical and cosmetic care.
Dr Jacintha Martis, professor and head of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, delivered the vote of thanks and provided an overview of the department’s wide-ranging services. She extended a warm welcome to international delegates from Brawijaya University, Indonesia, who were present on the occasion.
Dermatology services at a glance
The Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Father Muller Medical College is recognised for its excellence across clinical, procedural, and aesthetic dermatology. The department has won the "Best Department Award" three times from IADVL Karnataka.
Clinical Dermatology
Comprehensive treatment is provided for infections, autoimmune skin disorders, pigmentary abnormalities, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair and nail conditions. Diagnostic tools include dermatoscopy, video dermatoscopy, Wood’s lamp examination, trichogram, patch testing, and skin prick testing.
Laboratory tests such as KOH mount, Gram stain, Giemsa stain, and fungal/bacterial cultures are conducted routinely. The Autologous Serum Skin Test for chronic urticaria is among the advanced diagnostic options available.
Procedural Dermatology
The clinic performs a range of procedures, including biopsies, excision of benign growths, cryotherapy, cautery, PRP and GFC therapy for hair loss, and microneedling for scars and alopecia. Surgical interventions for vitiligo—such as punch grafting, suction blister grafting, and non-cultured melanocyte transplantation—are also offered.
Aesthetic Dermatology
The clinic employs cutting-edge laser technologies like Q-switched Nd:YAG, IPL, and CO2 lasers for pigmentation treatment, hair removal, vascular lesion correction, and skin rejuvenation. Anti-ageing therapies such as Botox and dermal fillers are used for wrinkle reduction and facial volume enhancement.
Chemical peels & rejuvenation
A wide selection of chemical peels addresses pigmentation, melasma, and acne. The clinic also provides radiofrequency-assisted microneedling to treat scars, stretch marks, and for facial revitalisation.
STI & Leprosy management
Services include the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and leprosy, with tools such as Tzanck smears, slit skin smears, and nerve biopsies. Patients also benefit from rehabilitative services like MCR footwear and sensory-motor assessments.
Staffed by experienced consultants, aesthetic dermatologists, and skilled support personnel, the department upholds its commitment to innovation and compassionate care, continuing to serve as a centre of excellence in Dermatology and skin health.