Media Release
Mangaluru, May 15: A new state-of-the-art dental Outpatient Department (OPD) was inaugurated at Father Muller Medical College Hospital on Thursday, May 15, marking a major upgrade to the hospital’s dental care and academic infrastructure.
The advanced facility was blessed and inaugurated by Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), in the presence of hospital administrators, senior faculty members, and consultant dentists. The event saw the participation of several dignitaries from the institution's management and academic bodies.
In his address, Fr Coelho emphasised the importance of creating a patient-centric, well-equipped dental facility and praised Fr Ajith B Menezes for overseeing the project’s development. “This new OPD reflects our commitment to combining compassion with clinical excellence,” he said.
Dr Kelvin Peter Pais, liaison officer and associate professor, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the significance of the facility for both patient care and clinical education.
The Dental OPD features six ultramodern dental chairs, an Orthopantomogram (OPG) unit, Radiovisiography (RVG) system, advanced sterilisation technologies, faculty and consultation rooms, a spacious waiting area, laboratory facilities, and modern washrooms—setting a new benchmark for dental departments in medical college hospitals.
The highlight of the event was the formal inauguration by Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, followed by a solemn prayer and blessing of the new premises and all attendees.
Also present at the inauguration were Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, FMMCH, Fr Nilesh Crasta, assistant administrator, FMMCH, Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, FMMC, Dr Venkatesh, vice dean, Dr Uday Kumar, medical superintendent, FMMCH, Dr Kishan Shetty, additional medical superintendent, Dr Kishan Shetty, deputy medical superintendent and principals, heads of departments, and faculty members
Dr Nanditha Hegde, head of the department of Dentistry and senior Endodontist, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who supported the project’s completion. She acknowledged the contributions of several professionals and firms involved in project execution, construction and design, including: Christopher Noronha Architects – design and consultancy, Divakar Constructions – Civil works, Joy Varghese of Bright Aluminium for aluminium fixtures and fittings, Maxim from Meelna Electricals for electrical work, Vincy Pinto of Pinto Electricals from plumbing, William of Wisdom Enterprises for curtain fittings and decor, Suraj of Activa Systems for system integrations, Ajith of Ajith Arts for sticker artwork and visual branding, Confident Dental for supply of advanced dental chairs and equipment, Prakas for toughened glass fittings, Ganesh Baliga for installation of central oxygen supply system and others for their respective roles in the project execution.
She also extended special thanks to Michael, maintenance manager at FMCI, and Ronald (Rony), assistant in-charge of maintenance, for their continued oversight.
The event was attended by senior dental faculty members including Dr Naveen Rao, Dr Gayatri S Rao, Dr Jyothi Menezes, and Dr Sowmya Shetty.
The opening of the new Dental OPD is expected to significantly enhance the patient experience and clinical training capabilities at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, reinforcing its reputation for quality healthcare and education.