Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 3: The Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) witnessed a landmark moment on December 3 at 3:30 pm with the blessing and commissioning of the vascular & neuro interventional bi-plane suite and the state-of-the-art Philips Azurion Biplane 3.0, installed in the Department of Interventional Radiology (IR).
The ceremony began with a warm welcome by Dr Mandeep Sagar, assistant professor, IR, who greeted the dignitaries, faculty members and the director of FMCI, setting the tone for an evening of gratitude and celebration. This was followed by the formal ribbon-cutting by the director, FMCI, held in the presence of Dr Suresh H B, HoD – Interventional Radiology, Dr Micheal Sathumayor, administrator FMMC, Fr Jeevan Sequeira, administrator FMMCH, Dr Antony Sylvan D'Souza, dean – Father Muller Medical College, Dr Uday Kumar, medical superintendent, and other dignitaries.
The newly established suite and advanced imaging system were then solemnly blessed and commissioned by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, FMCI, who invoked god’s benevolence upon all patients who will be treated at the facility and prayed for divine wisdom for the doctors and healthcare staff who will serve in this cutting-edge unit.
A special note was presented on the Philips Azurion Biplane 3.0, highlighting its exceptional features and advanced capabilities. The system is a next-generation dual-arm interventional imaging platform offering advanced 2D/3D imaging, SmartCT and superior neuro-vascular visualisation with low-dose radiation.
Its highly flexible geometry provides full-body coverage, faster C-arm positioning and seamless transition between views, making it ideal for complex neuro, vascular and cardiac interventions. It includes enhanced image clarity, upgraded soft-tissue CBCT, dual-phase cerebral imaging for detecting occlusions, and table-side touchscreen control that improves workflow efficiency.
Designed for high-precision, minimally invasive procedures, it increases safety, optimises procedure time and supports multi-specialty use. Recognised among the best in its class, the system is the first of its kind in Dakshina Kannada and among the finest in Karnataka, elevating clinical capabilities and patient-care standards for complex neuro and vascular procedures.
Emphasising the crucial need for this upgrade, Dr Lenon, chief interventional radiologist, spoke about the expanding scope of interventional radiology at FMCI and the lifesaving potential of the new suite. Dr Ariharan K, assistant professor, IR, followed with a concise demonstration and explanation of the machine’s enhanced functions and operational advantages.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr Suresh H B, HoD – Interventional Radiology, who expressed deep gratitude to the Governing Board and Management Committee for approving the acquisition of this pioneering system—the first in Dakshina Kannada — and for their continued commitment to advancing patient care.
He also thanked the management for approving the Rs 15 crore budget for the benefit of the department, enabling patients to receive the best in technology.
Dr Suresh also acknowledged the contributions of numerous individuals and teams who worked tirelessly on the procurement, installation and infrastructure of the new suite. These included Giridhar, project manager – Philips South India, and Karthikeyan, sales manager – Philips, whose coordinated efforts ensured smooth technical readiness; Lidia Pais, finance officer, and George Fernandez, senior administrative officer, who facilitated administrative and financial processes; and Christopher Noronha Architects, along with architect Kiran, who provided exceptional architectural design and guidance for the unit.
He further recognised the contributions of Joy Varghese of Bright Aluminium for fixtures and fittings; Maxim of Meleena Electricals for electrical installations; Vincy Pinto of Pinto Electricals for plumbing works; William of Wisdom Enterprises for vinyl flooring, curtains and décor; Ajith of Ajith Arts for sticker artwork and visual branding; and Noel Veigas of Ashadeep Constructions for timely civil works. Beena and her team were thanked for prompt painting works; Ganesh Baliga of Good Hope for central supply pipelines; Sandeep Samanth of Srinidhi Enterprises for Blue Star air-conditioning; and Alwyn D'Souza for fabrication works.
He also expressed gratitude to Michael, maintenance manager – FMCI, for continuous oversight; Ronald (Rony), assistant in-charge of maintenance, for consistent support and coordination; and Nurse Rita Monteiro, in-charge ICCU & IR suite, for ensuring operational readiness.
A special acknowledgement was given to Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator – FMMCH, for supervising every detail of the construction within a fully functioning ICCU.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for Father Muller Medical College Hospital, propelling its Interventional Radiology Department to new heights of excellence and reaffirming the institution’s unwavering commitment to patient-centric, technology-driven healthcare.