Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 13: A long-cherished dream of the Government Lady Goschen Maternity Hospital, Mangaluru, was realized with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Obstetric Critical Care Unit (OCCU) on Tuesday. The unit was formally handed over by Rotary International District 3181 governor Rtn major donor P K Ramakrishna on behalf of the Rotary Club of Mangalore to the hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Durgaprasad.
Valued at Rs 70 lac, the project was implemented through a Rotary Foundation Global Grant, with Rotary Club of Mangalore providing advanced medical equipment and the hospital developing the new infrastructure to house the unit. The OCCU will play a crucial role in saving the lives of high-risk mothers during the critical post-delivery period — often referred to as the ‘golden hour’ of obstetric care.
In his address, district governor Rtn P K Ramakrishna lauded the hospital’s management for maintaining high standards of hygiene and providing world-class maternal healthcare free of cost. “The facilities and environment here are comparable to some of the best hospitals in the country,” he remarked.
Past district governor Rtn Vikramdatta praised the hospital staff for their compassion and commitment, especially recognizing the efforts of Dr Durgaprasad and Dr Jagadeesha (RMO) in improving facilities through partnerships with Rotary and corporate contributors.
Project chairman Rtn Archibald Menezes explained the global grant process and thanked the hospital for its wholehearted cooperation. Dr Durgaprasad, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Mangalore for implementing this much-needed initiative and for its continued support over the years.
The ceremony was attended by Rotarians, representatives from the Rotary Club of Coimbatore, media, doctors, and staff of Lady Goschen Hospital. Rtn Vinod Aranha, president of the Rotary Club of Mangalore, welcomed the gathering; Rtn Devraj Fernandes, immediate past president, proposed the vote of thanks; and Rtn Dr Kunal, club secretary, compered the event.
Lady Goschen Hospital serves as a vital maternity and child health center for women across Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring districts. With nearly 7,000 deliveries annually, of which about 70% are high-risk pregnancies, the new OCCU will provide timely, life-saving support for both mothers and infants.
The Rotary Club of Mangalore, celebrating its 75th year, continues to be one of the most active clubs under District 3181. The club has spearheaded several landmark community projects, including a physiotherapy unit and dialysis machines at Wenlock Hospital, a mobile blood donation bus for the Indian Red Cross Society, a cancer detection bus for Yenepoya Hospital, a Human Skin Bank at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, and a Human Milk Bank at Lady Goschen Hospital.
The club gratefully acknowledged the contributions of Rotary District 3181 and the District Finance Committee, The Rotary Foundation (TRF), IPDG Rtn Vikramdatta, Rotary International District 7450 and the Rotary Club of Central Chester County (Lionville), USA, Rtn AKS Vasanth Prabhu (USA), PDG Rtn H R Keshav (Rotary Club of Mysore Brindavan), and members of the Rotary Club of Coimbatore. The club also acknowledged the invaluable cooperation of Dr Durgaprasad, medical superintendent, and Dr Jagadeesha, RMO, in facilitating and supporting this project.