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Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Apr 4: CSI Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital, in a significant step towards strengthening healthcare access in rural areas, inaugurated the Lombard Mission Hospital Health Centre at Katpady on April 4.
The facility was formally inaugurated by Hemachandra Kumar, bishop of CSI-Karnataka Southern Diocese (KSD), who cut the ribbon and blessed the centre with a prayer.
The inaugural event was then followed by a formal event, which was inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp by dignitaries present.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Hemachandra Kumar said the centre was inaugurated during a holy period recalling the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, making it a meaningful occasion to extend service to society. He appreciated the vision of Dr Sushil Jathanna, stating that healthcare services should not remain confined within hospital walls but must reach rural communities.
Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake emphasised the importance of healthcare and education in modern society. He noted that under Dr Jathanna’s leadership, the hospital has adopted advanced technology and improved its services. “In emergencies, every second matters. With this centre, immediate first aid can be provided locally, reducing dependence on distant hospitals,” he said.
Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director FMCI and FMHMCH, said, “Traditionally, patients travel to hospitals, but here the Mission Hospital is reaching out to the people. The establishment of this health centre will not only improve healthcare but also contribute to the overall development of the region. Illness does not discriminate, and the presence of a hospital brings communities together. Good health is true wealth—when people are healthy, they can earn better, spend less on treatment, and lead a more productive life.”
Dr Sushil Jathanna, director, CSI LMH, in his presidential address said, "Our Lombard Mission Hospital’s vision is not limited to Udupi city, but extends to every village in the district. Our services should go beyond the four walls of a hospital and reach every section of society. This centre has been established not for profit, but to serve the people. It will function from 8 am to 6 pm, six days a week, and remain closed on Sundays, while the laboratory will be open from 7 am.”
The centre offers a range of services including a, general practitioner available daily, gynaecologist consultation from Tuesday to Friday (9.30 am to 3 pm); consultant physicians available three days a week (3 pm to 6 pm); ophthalmologist and ENT specialist services twice a week; surgical consultation every Saturday (3 pm to 6 pm).
Additionally, the centre is equipped with laboratory facilities, X-ray, and ultrasound scanning, and plans to offer doorstep blood sample collection, ensuring greater convenience for patients.
The programme began with an opening prayer by Ivan D’Soans, treasurer, CSI-KSD. Dr Suja Karkada, principal LMCON welcomed the gathering. Veena Menezes, principal, LMSON delivered the vote of thanks.
The event concluded with a closing prayer by Kishore Kumar, area chairman, CSI-KSD, and benediction by the bishop Hemachandra Kumar. Hemalatha Bangera, nursing tutor LMSON compered the event.
Dr A Raveendranath Shetty, general practitioner, Katpady; Prabha B Shetty, former president Katpady gram panchayat; Iqbal Shamsuddin, businessman Katpady; Prashanth Jathanna, director Minority Development Corporation, government of Karnataka; Akshay Amanna, presbyter CSI Christ Church Ambady; Stephen Karkada, associate secretary CSI-KSD, staff members, students and others were present on the occasion.