Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 23: The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Father Muller Medical College, Kankanady, Mangaluru, successfully organised "FOCII 2026 – Focused Obstetric Course" on February 21 at the Decennial Memorial Hall. The programme was designed as a skill-based postgraduate teaching initiative aimed at strengthening clinical competence in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
The event was organised under the leadership of Dr Mahesha Navada (HoD and unit chief), organising chairperson, with Dr Ektha M Shetty (asst prof) and Dr Jyotsna Coelho (asst prof) as organising secretaries.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with invocation and welcome address by Dr Mahesha Navada, (prof and HoD dept of OBG) followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The chief guest, Dr Rathnamala M Desai, professor emeritus, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, delivered an inspiring address emphasising clinical excellence and continuous learning. The presidential address was delivered by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, FMCI.
The guest of honour Dr Kameshwari Surampudi, professor and Dr Vishaka Nagaraj, consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad, graced the occasion and later served as faculty for the afternoon hands-on workshop.
The session concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr Ektha M Shetty (asst prof). The master of ceremony for the overall programme was Dr Lisa Melita Pinto (senior resident) and Dr Nishmitha S Rodrigues (senior resident) and the inauguration was compered by Dr Nikitha James (asst prof)
On this occasion, Prof Dr Prema D’Cunha, senior faculty and former staff of the department, was felicitated in recognition of her dedicated service. A citation was presented in her honour.
The scientific sessions were conducted by sessions covered key obstetric topics including ultrasound fundamentals by Dr Mahesh and Prathima (associate professor, foetal medicine specialist) followed by pelvic anatomy by Dr Anjum Iftikhar (Gynaec oncologist ) CTG interpretation by Dr Ratna Mala M Desai (Prof) Right documentation practices by Dr Sujaya V Rao (Prof) Practical pelvic examination by Dr Shraddha Shetty (Professor and HOD Kasturbha Medical College) labour room drills by Dr Joylene Dalemida (professor), Dr Shannon Fernandes (professor) and Dr Chethana Bolanthkodi (assoc. prof), Dr Alveera D'Souza and stress management during residency with emphasis on practical application and clinical decision-making by Dr Caroline D'Souza (consultant psychiatrist).
The highlight of the programme was the hands-on workshop on Perineal Tear Repair, conducted by Dr Kameshwari Surampudi, and Dr Vishaka Nagaraj, (consultant, Fernandez Hospital, Hyderbad) which provided structured training in applied anatomy, repair techniques of obstetric anal sphincter injuries, and hands-on practice on simulation models .
FOCII 2026 successfully achieved its objective of being both “An Introduction and An Inspiration,” and was widely appreciated for its academic value and practical orientation. Around 100 post graduate students benefitted from the programme. The department has expressed sincere gratitude to the management, faculty, and participants for their support in making the event a success.