Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jul 24: Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital (LMH), Udupi, inaugurated its blood storage unit on July 24, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
The facility was inaugurated by Hemachandra Kumar, bishop of CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese (KSD), who cut the ribbon and led the inaugural prayer. The ceremony was followed by blessings from Raichal T J.
The formal programme began with a prayer by Ivan D Soans and the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by all the dignitaries present.
Hemachandra Kumar, bishop of CSI KSD, in his inaugural address said, “I would like to thank S Jayakar Shetty and Shivaram Shetty for their guidance. Dr Sushil Jathanna is a visionary leader who thinks deeply and ensures success. Blood is life itself; even a single drop can save someone. A place becomes a true hospital only when it has all essential facilities. LMH is continuously adding new facilities so that no patient has to go untreated due to a lack of resources. The blood storage unit is a great support for patients, doctors, and staff alike. Everyone at LMH works together like one family.”
S Jayakar Shetty, chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Kundapur, and chief guest of the event, said, “Lombard Hospital is not just renowned in our district but across the entire coastal region. Earlier in Udupi, there were only two blood banks—one in Manipal and another in Ajjarkad. Realising the need for a blood bank in the northern part of the district, we started the Red Cross blood bank. This blood storage unit at LMH will greatly help patients, especially in emergencies. This is just the first step towards establishing a full-fledged blood bank here. The Red Cross and LMH will work together and continue their social service initiatives.”
Sushil Jathanna, director, LMH, in his presidential address, said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey of dedicated service. When we planned to start a blood storage unit, the Red Cross Society came forward to support us. With the number of surgeries increasing in our hospital, we noticed that during operations, the need for blood would often cause panic among patients’ families, which in turn affected the patients. That’s when we thought of starting a blood storage unit here, and today that dream has come true. There is a shortage of blood in India, and just one unit of blood can save three lives. We must create greater awareness about blood donation. Within a month, we will also be inaugurating our breast cancer unit.”
The programme concluded with a closing prayer led by Kishore Kumar and a benediction by Bishop Hemachandra Kumar.
Dr B N Peralaya welcomed the gathering. Leona Strelita delivered the vote of thanks. Medha compered the event.
Treasurer of the Indian Red Cross Society, Kundapur, Shivaram Shetty; medical officer Dr Sharadha Vivek; Virendra Kumar; director of the LMH blood storage unit, Dr Dananjay Bhat; administrative officer Deena Prabhavathi; PRO Rohi Rathnakar; students; and staff members were present on the occasion.