Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 21: Prison Ministry India (PMI), Mangalore unit, in collaboration with Father Muller Medical College Hospital, organized a special medical camp with a focus on dermatological (skin) check-ups at the District Prison on Wednesday, August 20.
The camp was inaugurated by the jail superintendent Sharanabasappa, who emphasized the true purpose of prisons. “A jail is not a place of punishment but of reformation. Here, we neither punish nor judge - that is the role of the court. Those who are here have made mistakes or shown behaviour unacceptable to society, and this is a space where they are given a chance to reform,” he said in his address.
Highlighting the importance of health and skill development among inmates, he added, “Regular health check-up camps like this will help inmates remain physically fit. Alongside, skill development programs are essential to keep them meaningfully engaged. These skills will not only enrich their time here but also prepare them for a renewed life once they return to their families and society.” He appreciated the consistent efforts of prison ministry India both inside and outside the prison walls and assured greater opportunities for PMI to serve inmates in transformative ways.
On behalf of PMI, Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, spiritual director of PMI Mangalore, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the jail authorities for their wholehearted cooperation in every initiative. He stressed PMI’s mission of extending care with compassion: “Our hope is to reach out to inmates and authorities in a deeply humanitarian way, affirming dignity and fostering hope.”
Representing the medical team, Dr Rahul from Fr Muller’s highlighted the importance of skin health. “The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it is highly prone to various illnesses if neglected. Proper skin care is vital not only for physical health but also for mental well-being,” he explained.
The event was compered by Sr Flora Machado, while Sr Lidwin Sequeira delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was coordinated by Denis Coutinho (coordinator), along with Linet Castelino (secretary), Lawrence Crasta (assistant coordinator), and other dedicated members of PMI.
The medical camp saw enthusiastic participation from the inmates, who welcomed the opportunity for free medical consultation and check-ups. The initiative reflected PMI’s ongoing commitment to combining health, dignity, and reformation in its outreach to prisons.