Pics: Thejaswi Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, May 11: "We need to have a full-fledged hospital for the diocese of Udupi. Doctors and nurses should stand for the sanctity of life. We have more than 165 doctors and 702 nurses in our diocese," said Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza, bishop of the Udupi diocese.
He was speaking at the International Nurses Day celebration organised by the Health Commission of the Udupi diocese at the Anugraha Pastoral Centre on Sunday, May 10.
Backing the need for a healthcare institution for the diocese, he said, "We have around 165 doctors and 702 nurses in our diocese, which is a very good number. It was the dream of Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo to have a hospital for the diocese, but it was not fulfilled. Now, it has become my responsibility to make it happen. All these nurses and doctors are working in various private hospitals and abroad, but first, serve where you are born and brought up. It is our first project. It is a project of the Health Commission, and with the new director, Hilda Cornelio, it is possible. Dreams can be realised if we come together and work together. The second dream is to have a nursing college. We might require around 25 for this project. This year, our project for the Health Commission will be having a full-fledged hospital. The Udupi diocese stands first in many things in the entire country due to the efforts of Bishop Gerald. Many have also come forward saying that they would offer free service if the hospital comes up. Learn to respect and serve life. Let us come together to save lives."
Bishop Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza; Dr Edward Lobo, outgoing director of the Health Commission; Precilla Noronha, secretary; Hilda Cornelio, programme coordinator; Dr Leena Sequiera, principal of Manipal School of Nursing; Dr Daisy Josephine Lobo, associate professor at Manipal College of Nursing; and Maria Monis, nursing superintendent at City Hospital, Udupi, were felicitated on the occasion.
Fr Stephen D'Souza, chancellor of the Udupi diocese, said in his address, "Dr Edward Lobo has served as the director for the past eight years, and I thank him for his incredible service. Today, Hilda Cornelio has taken charge as the new director of the commission. She has been in the Health Commission for many years and has worked hand in hand with Dr Edward Lobo. The nursing profession is taking care of many of our families today. It is a ministry of compassion. Without a mentality of service, it is difficult to serve as a nurse. You are carrying out the mission of Jesus Christ of healing. As a Catholic nurse serving in society, you might face many challenges."
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop emeritus of the Udupi diocese, addressing the gathering, said, "Our Health Commission is built very strongly under the guidance of Dr Edward Lobo. Around 14,000 families of our diocese have health cards and have availed benefits of more than Rs 30 crore. Dr Edward Lobo created a directory of medical professionals and a doctors' directory. I thank him for these contributions. There is no retirement for service. Hilda Cornelio has worked very closely in the commission. She will lead the commission more successfully. The number of aged people is increasing in our diocese; let us do our bit for these people."
Fr Charles Saldanha, spiritual director and dean of Kallianpur deanery; Fr John Prakash Pereira, dean of Karkala deanery; Fr Stephen Rodrigues, dean of Udupi; Dr Edward Lobo; Precilla Noronha; Hilda Cornelio; and Fr Roque D'Souza, parish priest of Mount Rosary Church, were present on the occasion.
Dr Edward Lobo welcomed the gathering. Precilla Noronha proposed the vote of thanks. Shanthi Pinto compered the programme. Hilda Cornelio read out the names of the sponsors and conducted the felicitation ceremony.