Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Aug 30: Credai president D B Mehta inaugurated the doctors' quarters 'Muller Nest' and the commercial block by Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) near Fathima Retreat House here on Tuesday August 30.
Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza blessed the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Mehta said, "I am thankful to FMCI for being so forthcoming in their goals that Credai had set for itself to provide medical assistance to construction workers. Sometimes we forget the people at the lowest level. In the construction industry, builders earn money through the efforts of the construction workers. There are various government schemes available for these construction workers but none of them are implemented properly for various reasons."
"On taking over as the Credai president, my first goal was to take up this first segment. The first drive we launched was to convince all the Credai members to get them registered at the provident fund office so that the benefit can be passed on to the workers. I am happy to say all the Credai members are registered at the provident fund office which was hardly 50 percent 18 months ago." he added.
"The second goal was to get all the workers on the labour welfare board registered. For every project one percent of the construction cost has been deposited at the labour office and Karnataka alone has about Rs 1,900 crore at the labour welfare board, but the amount spent on labour welfare is only Rs 50 crore. The rest is left unspent at the government treasury.
"The third area which we took up was healthcare for labourers. The construction workers are themselves ignorant about health issues. So we associated with FMCI for health check-ups for the workers. I am glad that FMCI willingly came forward to help the cause. This is one hospital which has been successful in giving treatment at low cost or free of cost and they have been able to give comfort to the patients. Fr Muller has given the best treatment to all at an affordable price. By this, Father Muller is a torchbearer for all." Mehta said.
Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza in his presidential address said, "You must have dreams and before they are forgotten about, you must make them happen. Today this dream has been realized. I congratulate the director for taking a keen interest in this project. We thank the Lord for His abundant blessings showered on us. Helping the poor and needy and giving them the best treatment is our mission."
"We have 750 beds free for the poor at FMCI. Most of them come and ask for a concession and invariably we give them. This year Rs 30 crore has gone as concession. I wish those doctors and their families who stay in the premises all the best." Bishop added.
Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director of Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) welcomed while Fr Richard Coelho, administrator FMMCH thanked the gathering.
Fr Ajith Menezes, assistant administrator of FMMCH compered the event.