Report and pics by Jessie Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (GA)
Bangalore, Dec 10: St John's Medical College Hospital was commissioned and dedicated to patient care on December 8, 1975. Eversince, the Hospital Day is celebrated on this day. This year too the Hospital Day celebrations were held on Monday December 8 at St John's Auditorium from 2.30 pm onwards with a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration by Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore as the main celebrant. A colourful cultural programme was held after the mass which was appreciated by one and all.
The cultural programme that followed began with a welcome dance performed by the staff nurses. The function was presided over by the Archbishop while Dr Alexander IAS (Rtd), former chief secretary and former cabinet minister of tourism, government of Karnataka was the chief guest. Fr Lawrence D'Souza, director, St John's National Academy of Health Sciences welcomed the dignitaries, introduced them to the audience and felicitated them with flowers. He also extended a warm welcome to all those present on the occasion.
Fr Immanuel Raj, associate director of the hospital presented a brief report of the Hospital for the year 2008.
In preparation for the Hospital Day celebrations, several competitions were organized. The winners in these competitions were given prizes by the chief guest. In his message, Dr Alexander lauded the good work the hospital is doing for the public of Bangalore and called upon the doctors, nurses and the rest of the staff to work with one mind and heart so that the patients who knock on the doors of St John's get the best treatment.
The president honoured the silver jubilarians (those completing 25 years of service in the hospital) on this occasion with a memento. In his presidential address, the Archbishop recalled the days when he was the administrator of the very same hospital; it was a privilege to serve this great Institution, he said, and the experience he gained here is valuable. He congratulated the present management on this occasion and urged every one working here to develop a family spirit and take this Institution, which is the pride of the Catholic Church to greater heights.
The cultural programme included a dance, a song, a skit and a fashion show. Dr Anil Abraham, professor and head of the department of dermatology proposed vote of thanks. Dr Reggi of department of Ophthalmology compeered the programme. At the end, St John's Anthem was sung by the choir.