Media Release

Shivamogga, Aug 12: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society, Shivamogga, the “development arm” of the Diocese of Shimoga celebrated its foundation day on August 11 at Sacred Heart Cathedral Campus, Shivamogga by organising free health checkup camp in collaboration with Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Kankanady, Mangaluru.

A team of 53 medical personnel rendered health services such as general medicine, ENT, Dermatology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) Orthopaedic disorders, ECG, BP, sugar and blood test and required medicine is provided. As many as 1,700 participants availed the health benefits. Those who were advised for further treatment were asked to visit the hospital.

Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga and the president of Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society(R) presided over the inaugural programme. He appreciated the service of Father Muller Hospital and thanked the team of doctors for their valuable time spent for the people.

Chief guest Dr Basava Marulasidda Swamiji of Basava Kendra Shivamogga, in his inaugural speech expressed that it is gratifying that the health checkup camp is conducted with full of passion through interfaith prayers. He called upon all to move together with the feeling of being one in society. "Health is not an asset of any caste, religion, everyone should be conscious about health," he said. "A person is considered healthy if physical and mental health is good," he said and appreciated the work done by the SMSSS for the past 35 years for the development of the poor people as commendable.

Adam Raza Naeemi, Mudarris Markaz SaAda Shimoga, a chief guest in this programme, said that it is apt that a mega health check-up camp is organised on the foundation day of the organisation irrespective of religions. He said that the work done by the organisation for the people of all faiths is like a garden of peace that creates a friendly spirit.

Anil Kumar Bommareddy, additional district defense officer of Shivamogga district, who arrived as the chief guest in the programme, said health is essential for everyone. "Our wealth values nothing if our health is not good," he said. He wished good for the organisation who strives for the development of the oppressed people through more and more social service activities.

Dr Ujwal Suvarna of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, briefed on the various facilities available in their hospital which are accessible for everyone.

Fr Pius D’Souza, the director of SMSSS, briefed about the journey of SMSSS and its impact in uplifting the downtrodden to live a life with dignity. MCES secretary Fr Dr Clifford Roshan Pinto and Sr Rita Shanthi, superior of Mary Immaculate Convent, Shivamogga were present. Manjunath, marketing manager of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, expressed gratitude for the grand success of the camp and well-knit arrangements.

SMSSS has expressed gratitude for the immense service rendered to people by the team of 53 medical personnel of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Kankanady, Mangaluru.