Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 5: In a significant step towards making quality healthcare accessible to economically disadvantaged families, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP), Mangalore Central Council, on Thursday, November 5. The MoU aims to extend credit-based healthcare assistance to families adopted by SSVP under its diamond jubilee project.
The MoU was signed by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, on behalf of Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) and Father Muller Hospital, Thumbay (FMHT), in the presence of Fr Ashwin Crasta, in-charge administrator of FMMCH, and Fr Rohan Dias, administrator of FMHT.
The SSVP Mangalore Central Council was represented by president Preetha Lobo, treasurer James Lewis and secretary Flavi Mascarenhas. Under their leadership, the council continues to uphold the organisation’s century-old tradition of service, compassion and commitment to supporting underprivileged families across the diocese of Mangalore.
The partnership builds upon the longstanding charitable mission of SSVP, which marks a century of service in the diocese of Mangalore, having commenced its journey in 1926 and completed 100 years on January 26, 2026. The centenary celebrations were further commemorated by a visit from the international president general of SSVP.
The healthcare initiative covered under the MoU is part of the diamond jubilee project, launched in 2019, with the objective of extending timely medical assistance to underprivileged families. Recognising that healthcare expenditure in the region is predominantly out-of-pocket, SSVP endeavours to support the faithful of the diocese of Mangalore who fall below the poverty line or find themselves in financial distress due to unforeseen circumstances. Currently, 623 adopted families, comprising 1,749 members, are covered under this project.
Beyond financial assistance, SSVP's mission places equal emphasis on providing moral support and helping families regain their stability, dignity and independence, enabling them to stand on their own feet and earn their daily bread. The organisation mobilises resources through its member donors, door-to-door collections, contributions from well-wishers and the generosity of former beneficiaries who, having overcome their financial difficulties, return to support others in need. This spirit of giving back is also carried forward by their children and succeeding generations.
At Father Muller Charitable Institutions, SSVP currently supports three dedicated healthcare funds: the SSVP Trinity Kidney Care, which presently extends assistance to 18 patients, the Kidney Care Fund, and the diamond jubilee project.
Director Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo appreciated the commendable commitment of the lay faithful who have come together under the banner of the Society of St Vincent de Paul to uplift the lives of the financially disadvantaged. He lauded their selfless dedication in reaching out to families in distress, extending not only much-needed financial assistance but also moral support, encouragement and companionship during challenging times. He observed that such collective acts of compassion and solidarity empower individuals to regain their dignity, rebuild their lives and move towards financial independence. He expressed his gratitude to SSVP for its continued service to humanity and appreciated the meaningful partnership with Father Muller Charitable Institutions in making compassionate healthcare accessible to those in need.
Speaking on the occasion, SSVP Mangalore Central Council president Preetha Lobo expressed her appreciation for the association with Father Muller Charitable Institutions. She remarked that she has always experienced a homely and friendly atmosphere at the institution, where every patient is attended to with utmost care and compassion. She acknowledged the institution's commitment to ensuring that patients receive not merely medical treatment but also a reassuring and caring environment throughout their healthcare journey.
Father Muller Charitable Institutions, through its two hospitals — Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Kankanady, and Father Muller Hospital, Thumbay — has consistently extended healthcare services to people from all walks of life. Guided by its motto, “Heal and Comfort,” the institution remains committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to accessing healthcare. Through NGO-supported assistance, institutional concessions, government healthcare schemes and other welfare initiatives, FMCI endeavours to reach out to patients in need.
The MoU further strengthens the shared commitment of both organisations to compassionate healthcare and social responsibility. By combining SSVP's extensive outreach among vulnerable families with Father Muller's healthcare infrastructure and expertise, the initiative seeks to provide timely medical intervention, financial support and renewed hope to families facing healthcare-related hardships.