Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 24: Father Muller Medical College hosted the closing ceremony of its World Cancer Day and International childhood cancer day activities with a symbolic and impact full programme that brought together healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, donors, students, and administrators in a united show of solidarity.
The World Cancer Day was observed at the institution on February 4, marking the commencement of a series of awareness initiatives and community engagement activities like blood and hair donation campaigns and Nutricare competition along with the upside-down challenge and cancer awareness for inhouse group C workers.
The concluding ceremony reflected on these efforts under the theme, ‘Honouring Every Unique Cancer Journey,’ emphasising that every individual’s experience with cancer is different and deserving of recognition.
A symbolic inauguration ceremony followed, during which dignitaries, heads of departments, and childhood cancer survivors pinned their messages of solidarity onto the ‘Board of Hope,’ representing collective commitment in the fight against cancer.
The programme was presided over by Fr Faustin Lucas Lobo, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, in the presence of Dr Michael Santhumayor, administrator, FMMC; Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, FMMCH; and Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean, FMMC.
The chief guest for the occasion, Dr Krishna Prasad (consultant medical oncologist), a distinguished stalwart in oncology and recognised as the first medical oncologist in Mangaluru, was formally introduced by Dr Rohan Chandra Gatty the professor and head of the department of Surgical Oncology.
In his keynote address, Dr Krishna Prasad shared valuable insights drawn from decades of experience in cancer care, underscoring the importance of early detection, comprehensive treatment, and compassionate patient support.
The ceremony also recognised the invaluable contribution of financial donors whose generosity has supported patient care initiatives and awareness programmes. The director and administrators felicitated the donors.
Delivering the presidential address, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo highlighted the institution’s continued commitment to holistic cancer care, awareness, and community outreach. The care towards cancer patient is the best with the latest in radiotherapy, best in class operation theatre, day care and OPD facilities. This commitment by Institutions towards the suffering of the cancer patients especially the marginalized was realised on the World Day of the Sick too.
Prizes were also distributed to winners of the Nutri Care competition, an initiative aimed at promoting proper nutrition for cancer patients during recovery.
Over 113 hair donations were received and over 70 blood donations. 67 students of St Sebastian School Permannur voluntarily donated 13 inches of their hair. The hair donation was done with scissors expertise from B Plus Salon while the cut hair was donated to Indian Cancer Society for free wig making for cancer children and adults.
Blood donation drive was among the FMCI student community and public. Nutri Care competition had numerous entries and the inhouse recipe competition was conducted keeping in mind the soulfulness of the dish with Protein content that could nourish the body.
The programme concluded with a presidential address by the director, a vote of thanks, and the National Anthem, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to holistic cancer care and community awareness.
The Father Muller Oncology Centre along with the Department of Community Medicine teamed together in creating awareness through the various activities, putting the cancer patient in the centre, making them bolder, stronger and healthier.
Commendable efforts by Dr Nishitha Shetty (prof medical oncology), Dr Elroy Saldanha (associate Prof), Dr Chandana Pai (associate professor, Paediatric Haemato Oncology), Dr Jnaneshwari (associate professor, General Surgery), Dr Moira (associate professor, Com Med), Dr Madhu Malar (senior resident, Com Med) along with the department heads and faculty envisaged the month-long observance with over hree months of meticulous planning and implementations.