Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (FD)
Udupi, Apr 29: Vatsalya palliative care unit, a branch of Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital was inaugurated on Saturday April 29 at the hospital premises by the Rt Rev Hemachandra Kumar, bishop of KSD.
District health officer Dr Nagabhushan Udupa N was the chief guest of the programme. Dr Sushil Jathanna, director, Mission Hospital, Udupi presided over the programme. Jayakar Shetty Indrali, president Udupi District Cooperative Union, Dr Karthik, HOD department of oncology Kasturba Hospital Manipal, Dr Suresh Rao, director clinical and administration Mangalore Institute of Oncology, and Dr Vinay Rajendra, surgical oncologist were present as guests of honour.
Bishop Hemachandra Kumar inaugurated the building by cutting the ribbon along with Dr Sushil Jathanna, Dr Nagabhushan Udupa N and others.
Addressing the gathering Bishop Hemachandra Kumar said, “Renovating an old damaged building to construct a newly built hospital is a great thing. It is the duty of the society to renovate old buildings and make them useful. This care unit is a necessity in Udupi. Nowadays, there are senior citizen day care centres instead of the children’s day care centres. There is no need for the children’s day care centres as many are already present. Today, the Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital has become an example for the whole district.” He motivated the doctors and the nurses who were working in the hospital and congratulated everyone.
Dr Sushil Jathanna, director of Lombard Memorial Hospital said, “The care centre is for providing care, love and compassion to the patients rather than treating them as there is no cure for the disease. This is to provide relief to reduce their pain. In some houses, people keep untrained home nurses which is not good. We will take care of those patients. The centre has a general ward, semi-special ward and special ward with attached toilets. There is a treatment room for treating the patients and most importantly, there is an interfaith prayer room as we pray to God during our struggles. We also provide counselling to the patients as it is very important for mentally-weak patients. This is not for profit, but for the service of the patients.”
Jayakr Shetty Indrali, president Udupi district co-operative union said, “Birth is unexpected but death is confirmed. But the way we live determines our character and the beauty of life,” and wished success for the new facility.
Dr Nagabhushan Udupa N, district health officer said, “The people suffering from hypertension and stroke require care more than treatment. The palliative care centre is a necessity for the patients. In Mumbai, Holy Spirit Hospital and Holy Family Hospital are involved in such a service.”
Ganesh Kamath, senior physician proposed the vote of thanks. Ruhi Ratnakar welcomed the gathering.