Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Dec 2: A well equipped ICU ward will be inaugurated on Sat December 3. Sushil Jathanna director of Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital at a press meet on Thursday December 1 made this announcement. He said, "The hospital is set to undergo major renovation and modernisation. The hospital established by Dr Eva Lombard in 1923 has well served the community of the city and has been a beacon of hope for many people.

He also said, "The new well equipped ICU and the renovated and modernised wards will be inaugurated on Saturday December 3 by Pramod Madhwaraj, minister for fisheries, sports and youth affairs. Dr Mohan Manoraj, Bishop, CSI Karnataka southern diocese, Jayakar Shetty Indrali, Padmashri Manohar will be present at the function. This will be followed by a cultural programmes by the nursing college students and staff."

Dr Jathanna said, "The focus will be on improving the standard and quality of care at affordable prices for the people of the city. The new ICU is fully equipped with the latest equipment and technology."

"A new paediatric ward has also been provided and the pharmacy will now be open 24 hours. A larger casualty and trauma centre with additional observation beds have been established for the convenience of emergency cases. A new dental unit has already started."

"This hospital is considered the oldest in the city and was established in 1923. It was known for its maternity and child service providing high quality care at very affordable prices. Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital which is a charitable hospital has now undergone the process of significant renovation and modernisation to improve the facilities and services for patients here and the surrounding areas. In addition, new wards have been renovated and modernized by providing additional capacity and beds for the hospital," he added.

"Our short term goal is to build a 200 bedded super speciality hospital in two years. There is a long term vision to build a medical college as well. Rs 60 lac has already been spent on renovation."

Hr further explained, "The hospital has ample parking facilities and is situated in an ideal environment. All specialists are available for consultation. The current capacity of the hospital is 150 beds, but now only 45 beds are occupied."

"The hospital is also staffed by well qualified MBBS duty doctors who provide round the clock service." Jathanna thanked the experienced staff of the hospital who have served with dedication and commitment. "A 55 year old nursing college in the city is aqlso part of the hospital."

Dr Sushil Jathanna a consultant physician, is a native of Mangaluru and has returned back to his hometown from UK after 32 years. Apart from being a physician, he is an experienced hospital management professional being the first Indian chief executive of the National Health Service in Cambridge, England. He said he wants to focus on the quality of care that is given to patients at affordable prices and has requested the help and support of all well-wishers in making this hospital one of the best here.

Donald Anchan, administration officer, Veena Menezes, principal, Nursing College, Helen Mathias, nursing superintendent, Sherin Lobo, media PR and education and quality department officer and Rohi Rathnakar, marketing were present.