Udupi, Mar 14: Dr TMA Pai Hospital in Udupi celebrated the Hospital Day and Womens Day on Saturday, in Town Hall. The website of the hospital was also launched at the event.

Indira Ballal, philanthropist and entrepreneur, was the chief guest and was felicitated by the hospital for her achievements in many spheres of life on the occasion of Womens Day.

Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education said, “Women's Day is an opportunity for all of us to show our gratitude to women who are contributing to the development of this nation in all fields, including the Indian armed forces.” He lauded the contribution of Dr TMA Pai Hospital in the management of COVID pandemic in Udupi district, and thanked all the staff members of the hospital for their selfless work during testing times.

Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, dean of KMC Manipal, and Dr Ullas Kamath, dean of MMMC Manipal, were the guests of honour. Dr Sharath Rao expressed his gratitude to all women in every field of life and proudly mentioned that about 60% of medical students joining KMC Manipal were women, both in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. He also thanked all the staff of Dr TMA Pai Hospital, Udupi for their unforgettable role during the COVID pandemic.

Dr Ullas Kamath said that he was proud of the hospital and conveyed his best wishes to all women in the occasion of Womens day. Dr Shashikiran Umakanth, Medical Superintendent, gave the welcome address. He expressed gratitude to all the staff for their wholehearted contribution during the COVID surges in spite of all the hardships. He also explained the reason for having the Hospital Day along with Womens Day as a special tribute to all the women staff - who make up 72% of the hospital employees - for giving their best to the hospital services in spite of personal commitments to their families.

The hospital website - https://drtmapaihospital.com - will provide important information to general public regarding the services and facilities available at the hospital.More than a dozen energetic cultural performances including dances, songs and skits - all by the women staff of the hospital - were a highlight of the day.

Dr Avinash Shetty, Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dr Kirtinath Ballal and many other officials from Kasturba Hospital Manipal also attended the program. Dr Archana Bhaktha was the master of ceremonies. Dr Rajaram Pai, Deputy Medical Superintendent proposed a vote of thanks.