Blessings of Progress: FMCI Inaugurates New Facilities for Patient Care and Academic Excellence
Mangaluru: The Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) continue to uphold their enduring commitment to healing and education with the inauguration of three transformative facilities—each designed to enhance patient care and foster academic growth.
The inauguration was solemnized and blessed by the Director of FMCI, Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, and included the opening of the new Ophthalmology Operation Theatre and General Ward, the Departmental Block of Father Muller College (Speech and Hearing), and a newly installed Domestic Lift.
The Ophthalmology OT and General Ward, located on the second floor above the OPD, stand as symbols of architectural innovation and medical advancement. Constructed with a futuristic design and state-of-the-art surgical infrastructure, this vertical expansion reflects the collective vision and hard work of the FMCI Management Committee, engineers, and architects.
The newly inaugurated academic block of the Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing comprises specialized departmental areas, classrooms, seminar halls, and HOD secretariats. The second floor now houses the Speech and Language classrooms, while the third floor accommodates facilities for the Audiology department. This expansion, driven by the growth of the clinical OPD, provides a modern environment for academic excellence.
Further emphasizing accessibility and compassionate care, a domestic lift has been installed near the administrative block. Designed for the use of management and staff, it helps ease congestion and allows the main lift to serve patients exclusively—ensuring dignified and efficient mobility, especially for wheelchair users.
In his inaugural address and blessing, Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho expressed heartfelt gratitude, reminding all present that “every brick laid and every facility built is a tribute to the vision of our Founder, Rev. Fr Augustus Muller SJ.” He reaffirmed FMCI’s mission “to heal and comfort,” noting that it is carried forward not only through infrastructure but also in spirit and service. He thanked Fr Ajith B Menezes, Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, and former administrators Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Souza and Fr Nelson Pais for their significant roles in bringing these projects to completion. With humility, he concluded: “Let us live in love and respect, and continue working tirelessly for humanity.”
Fr Ajith B Menezes, who compered the program, offered heartfelt thanks to the Director on behalf of all the teams involved. He highlighted the visionary leadership of Fr Richard, under whose guidance numerous monumental projects have taken shape—such as the Convention Centre, Indoor Stadium, renovations of K-Wards, Asha Kiran Block, Fathima and Sacred Heart wards, and upgrades to modern OPDs. He also noted the vertical expansion of the Utility Building, campus road improvements, and the renovation of administrative and academic spaces and ICUs (SICU, MICU, BICU, Infectious Disease ICU). The crowning glory remains the seven state-of-the-art steel-clad Operation Theatres, a lasting testament to his commitment.
Fr Ajith also acknowledged the acquisition of advanced medical equipment including high-end orthopedic surgical microscopes, laparoscopic units for General Surgery and OBG, new radiography equipment (1.5 T & 3 T MRI), high-resolution fetal sonography machines, and the latest in radiotherapy diagnostics. These technological advancements, he emphasized, are not just numerical assets but have brought about real, measurable improvements in healing and dignity.
The event also witnessed heartfelt participation from the contractors and vendors, who expressed their gratitude to the Director and pledged their continued support to FMCI. Those acknowledged include:
- Architects: Christopher Noronha & Kiran (Christopher Associates)
- Civil Contractors: Mr Divakar & Mr Umesh (Divakar Constructions), Mr Noel
- Electricals: Mr Maxim Crasta (Meleena Electricals)
- Plumbing: Mr Vincent
- Interiors: Mr Joy Varghese
- Air Conditioning: Mr Sandeep (Blue Star A/C)
- OT Design: Dr Shodhan
- Fire & Safety: Mr Suraj
- Aluminium Works: Mr Alwyn
- Gas Pipeline: Mr Baliga
- Curtains & Mats: Mr William
- OT Solutions: Mr Henry
- Pollution Control: Mr Godfrey
- Painting: Mrs Reji
- Signage: Mr Ajith (Ajith Arts)
In-house staff were also recognized for their vital contributions:
- Mr Ronald Crasta for his unwavering dedication
- Mr Michael (Maintenance), Mr Giriappa (State Section)
- Senior Administrative Officer Mr George Fernandes
- Finance Officer Mrs Lidia Pais
- Accounts staff Mr Avinash and Ms Margaret
- Mr Ivan Sequeira (N-Force Canteen)
The ceremony concluded in the presence of FMCI Managing Committee members, divisional heads, and dignitaries—each one united in thanksgiving and in their dedication to the future of FMCI.
Prof. Cynthia Santhmayor, Principal, proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Saritha Lobo, HOD of Ophthalmology, was also present for the event.
