Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 21: World Bioethics Day was celebrated in accordance with the UNESCO template on Wednesday, October 19 at Father Muller Medical College Hospital. The event began with a note on 'Evolution and need of World Bioethics Day' by Dr Princy Louis Palatty, Head of South India Unit of the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics (Haifa).
Following the note was an acceptance speech of the 'Most Active Bioethics Member', Dr Prema D’cunha, HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology on the topic 'Respect in Maternity Care-Dignity for Women'. This was followed by the speech by the guest of honour, Dr Tharanath, principal, SDM Law College, on 'Laws and rights'.
The addresses were succeeded by a prayer song by students, and an inaugural program by Rev Fr Richard Coelho, Administrator, FMMCH. Dr Jayaprakash Alva, Dean, FMMC delivered the welcome address and initiated the gathering to the theme of human dignity and human rights.
The World Bioethics Day celebration was signalled open, with the symbolic lighting of the lamp. The Judges for the WBD Celebrations were introduced by Dr Nagesh KR, General Secretary, South India unit, UNESCO chair, bioethics (Haifa).The inaugural address was delivered by the chief guest, Dr Ravindranath Shanubogue, human rights activist, Udupi was followed by prize distribution for various competitions with the felicitation of judges for those events.
The presidential address was given by the Administrator, FMMCH, Dr Richard Coelho, who highlighted the aspects of Human Dignity and its relevance today.
The chief guest delivered the keynote address on Human Rights. It was made very interesting and was interspersed with many cases. The panel discussion, 'Preserving Human Rights in health care' was moderated by Dr Smitha Bhat, from the Department of Medicine with panellists Dr Erel A Dias, HOD, Department of General Surgery, Dr Nandakishore, Professor, Department of Dermatology and Dr Raghuveer Adiga, HOD, Orthopaedics. They deliberated on the Article 8, 12, 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which engaged the audience by sharing personal experiences. Mementoes were handed over by the chief guest to the panellists and the moderator.
Concluding the program, the national anthem was sung. This was followed by a street play on Human Dignity and Human Rights, by the nursing college students, which was the real pièce de résistance of the event. A good way to end a good day.
Jessica Chavali and Anil D’Souza hosted the World Bioethics Day Celebrations. The programme was organised by Taresh S Naik, Vinal Mascarenhas and the batch of 2016.
Dr Rekha Boloor, HOD, Department of Microbiology proposed the vote of thanks.