Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Nov 1: Philanthropist Salvadore Monteiro inaugurated the newly built Father Muller Salvadore Monteiro Rural Healthcare Centre at Pope Layout Bajpe, Father Muller Charitable Institute on Thursday, November 1.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru, blessed the hospital premises. J R Lobo, former MLA unveiled the donor’s name board while Dr Y Bharath Shetty, MLA, Mangaluru North, inaugurated the first floor of the hospital.

District-in-charge minister U T Khader who graced the event as guest of honour expressed his happiness on Fr Muller Hospital opening another branch at Bajpe. “This is a revolutionary step in rural healthcare. Fr Muller came from Germany and started his service at Kankanady. With his work, he spread the message of humanity and Fr Muller Charitable Institutions still continues it. I thank the bishop and the management of Fr Muller hospital. They are not only giving treatment to patients but are trying to prevent the spread of diseases through various social awareness programmes. This type of service is highly appreciated,” he said.

“We should always give priority to humanity. Religion, caste, community are secondary. Every holy book leads us to one God. Salvadore Monteiro came up with the idea for a healthcare centre in this rural area, for the benefit of people. In healthcare sector, Fr Muller Charitable Institutions contribution is commendable and appreciable. With a new branch at Bajpe, it is a good start for the development of Bajpe and its surroundings. I will help this hospital with all necessary governmental assists,” assured Dr Y Bharath Shetty.

In his presidential address, the bishop said, “by the visit of Pope John Paul II the place of Bajpe become holy for Christians. Later on, Catholic Church proclaimed him as a saint and the place got more importance. I heard this was a dry land. But after the construction of a chapel in memory of Pope’s visit, many people get water in their wells and borewells. This is a place of miracles. Now with this new hospital, another miracle has happened here. I thank Salvadore and his family for their generosity and social service. We got initial support from them but today onwards we have added our contribution to this project. We have to convert it to a largest hospital in the region. Wherever good minds come together, miracles happen. So I request all to join with the management and support them in their upcoming
plans.”

Father Muller Charitable Institutes director Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho in his welcome address said, “Over the past 138 years, Father Muller Charitable Institutions has committed itself to providing the highest quality and comprehensive health care to the patients and families. The institution has achieved another milestone today by launching rural health training centre at Bajpe. The centre will strive to provide free health care services to the residents of Bajpe.”

“By considering the essential medical requirements of Bajpe residents and ensuring that quality and timely healthcare reaches the general public, the hospital has established a rural health training centre in the 50 cent land donated by Salvadore Monteiro. So the centre has been named as Father Muller’s Salvadore Monteiro Rural Healthcare Centre,” he added.

Salvadore Monterio and family were felicitated by the bishop and dignitaries.

Ivan D Souza, MLC, Vijaya Gopal Suvarna, president, Kandavara gram panchayat, Francis Monteiro, Fr Ajith Menezes, administrator, Fr Muller Medical College, were present.

Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, administrator, Fr Muller Medical College, rendered the vote of thanks.