Pics and report by: Alphonse Mendonca
Udupi, May 19: In commemoration of International Nurses Day a well curated programme titled ‘4th International Nurses Day’ was organized by the Health Commission of Udupi diocese on Sunday, May 18 at the Anugraha, Pastoral Center.
The main purpose of the event was to recognize selfless service of the Nursing community of Udupi diocese. Dr Edward Lobo being the director of Health Commission of Udupi diocese organizing several health-related programs at many parishes of the diocese.
The event began with a welcome prayer followed by a brief annual report on various activities organized by Health Commission throughout the year was read out by Precilla Noronha, secretary Health Commission and a presentation of these activities highlighting main events such as free eye test camp, bone density, cancer awareness and dental care camps which was beneficial for the many parishioners of Udupi diocese.
On this auspicious occasion, in commemoration of the selfless service to the wounded soldiers during the world war by Florence Nightingale, a floral tribute to the portrait of Florence Nightingale was done by the dignitaries present on the occasion namely bishop diocese of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, chancellor & diocesan coordinator of Pastoral commissions Fr Stephen D’Souza, spiritual director Fr Charles Saldanha OFM Cap, Manipal college of nursing dean Dr Judith Noronha, Health Commission director Dr Edward Lobo, secretary Precilla Noronha and programme convener Hilda Cornelio.
Dr Edward Lobo accorded warm welcome to all the dignitaries on dais, health coordinators and nurses and said he was practically behind all the members especially to the secretary and coordinator of today’s event to make sure the program was conducted efficiently and as planned everything was done perfectly and he appreciated their dedication, time and sacrifice for the success of the event.
Three professional acheivers for their excellent service in the field of Nursing were felicitated on the occasion namely Anitha Precilla Castelino for dedicated service in the field, Saritha Mendonca for securing 1st rank in nursing, State Level,2023-24 and Dr Elsa S Devi for their long dedicated service, they were introduced by Joyce Pinto, and Pratiba Brags. They were felicitated by Fr Stephen D’Souza with a Shawl and Memento.
A special felicitation was arranged on this auspicious occasion for Dr Edward Lobo director, Health Commission for his long and dedicated service as a doctor, social worker.
Prior to felicitation Dr Rayan Mathias, member, Health Commission introduced Dr Edward Lobo.
Speaking the occasion bishop Dr Gerald Issac Lobo appreciated various medical camps conducted by Health Commission under the guidance of Dr Edward Lobo throughout the diocese. He said that nurses are true representatives of Jesus as Jesus cured many patients during his mission such as he gave sight to blind people, he cured people suffering from leprosy who were outcasted those days. Today what nurses and medical professional are doing the same job with dedication and compassion he said.
The chief guest of the day Dr Judith Noronha was introduced by Dr Leena Sequeira. Dr Judith Noronha while speaking said that we nurses must upgrade, upskill ourselves, we must read as much as possible to get most modern knowledge which will help in our mission to take care of patients. Today’s younger generation join nursing field to make big money. Money, yes needed but our main objective to join nursing is to cure people. She said nurse is the only person present during birth of the person and death of the person. Nurses must have empathy towards their patients and three important lessons you must keep in mind is curing, compassion and quality. This is the best way to serve the patients.
Pramila D’Souza compered the programme, Dr Edward lobo welcomed the gathering, Hilda Cornelio proposed the vote of thanks. A few spot games were conducted after the stage programme.