Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 15: Marking its 103rd year of healing, service, and compassion, CSI Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital (LMH) in Udupi inaugurated three newly commissioned facilities on its premises on Monday, June 15, further strengthening its commitment to sustainability, patient care, and safety.

The new facilities—a heat pump system, an expanded 40 kW solar power system, and a comprehensive fire safety system—were inaugurated by bishop Hemachandra Kumar of the CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese (CSI-KSD) by formally switching on the installations.

Bishop Hemachandra Kumar blessed the new facilities, and speaking on the occasion, he lauded the hospital’s environmental initiatives and leadership under the INSPIRE project. He said, “Every project planned by Dr Sushil Jathanna is unique and environmentally friendly. The INSPIRE project is not just a name but an initiative that inspires others. The service provided by this hospital benefits people from Udupi and surrounding areas.”

Addressing the gathering, Dr Sushil Jathanna, director of LMH, said the hospital was stepping into its 104th year of service after successfully serving the community for 103 years. “As our hospital building is old, fire safety has become increasingly important. We have been planning this fire safety project for the last two years, and today it has become a reality. The new solar panels will reduce our electricity bill by nearly Rs 1.2 lakh per month. Earlier, 43 percent of our power requirement was met through solar energy, which has now increased to 58 percent. This initiative contributes to reducing carbon emissions and should serve as an example to society. The heat pump system is energy-efficient, offers significant cost savings, and generates minimal carbon emissions,” he said.

Dr Sushil Jathanna further revealed that LMH has been shortlisted for a national award for its climate change initiatives.

Under the hospital’s Energy Efficiency Team and INSPIRE Project, the additional 40 kW solar power facility has been installed on the rooftops of the microbiology department and the LMH auditorium, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly energy use.

The newly commissioned fire safety system has been designed to enhance the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. The facility includes a fire reel system for immediate response to small fires, a fire hydrant system for firefighting in larger emergencies, and a fire sprinkler system that helps control or extinguish fires during emergencies.

The newly installed heat pump system will provide a continuous 24-hour hot water supply for patient care. The system is energy-efficient, offers significant cost savings of 60 to 70 percent, and generates minimal carbon emissions.

Naveen, leader of the Energy Efficiency Team, briefed the gathering about the newly installed facilities and their benefits.

Ivan D Soans, treasurer of CSI-KSD; Stephan Karkada, associate secretary of CSI-KSD; Kishore Kumar, area chairman of Udupi CSI-KSD; Jayakar Shetty Indrali, president of Badagabettu Credit Cooperative Society; Shabih Ahmed Kazi, staff members, students, and others were present on the occasion.