Mangaluru, Sept 18: Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) took another significant step towards strengthening advanced cardiac care with the blessing and commissioning of the Trinias C12s Digital Angiography System by Shimadzu – Japan, at Cath Lab 2, ICCU Wing, Minus One, General Ward Block.
The state-of-the-art system, featuring the new Opera operating software/platform, is the first installation of Shimadzu’s Trinias C12s in Karnataka and represents the top-end model in its range. The advanced digital angiography system is expected to further enhance the precision, efficiency and capabilities of the Department of Cardiology in performing complex diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures.
The system was blessed by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), in the presence of Dr Pradeep Pereira, Head of the Department of Cardiology, FMMCH, senior administrators, medical faculty, nursing personnel, technicians and staff.
A Department Built on Commitment and Service
Giving an overview of the Department of Cardiology, Dr Pradeep Pereira traced its journey to its inception in 2002, when Dr Prabhakar, now Chief Cardiologist, committed his services to Father Muller Medical College Hospital. He was followed by Dr Yusuf and Dr Usha, who holds the distinction of being the first female cardiologist in Karnataka. Dr Pradeep joined the department in 2015, followed by Dr Jostal Pinto and, subsequently, Dr Ashoka.
From its modest beginnings, the department has grown substantially, expanding its services and capabilities in response to the increasing needs of patients. Today, it manages a significant volume of cardiac cases, with more than 250 angiograms being performed every month. The department also looks forward to further expanding its services with the proposed incorporation of Electrophysiology and Paediatric Cardiology.
“Faith and Confidence in the Department”
Dr Prabhakar, Chief Cardiologist, in his message, expressed gratitude to the successive Directors of Father Muller, recalling the support extended by Rev. Fr Baptist Menezes, Rev. Fr Patrick Rodrigues, Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho and now Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo.
He noted that the leadership of the institution had consistently placed faith and confidence in the Department of Cardiology. Rather than restricting its aspirations, the management had supported and guided the department in its journey towards acquiring advanced equipment and strengthening its services.
He expressed appreciation for the institutional vision that has enabled the department to develop into a centre handling a substantial cardiac case load and providing advanced cardiac care to patients from the region.
Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, FMMCH, congratulated the Department of Cardiology on the new addition and commended its commitment to seeking what is best for patients. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that every facility and equipment introduced at the hospital is utilised effectively to provide patients with the best possible standard of care.
“The Poor Too Deserve the Best”
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI, reflected on the philosophy that guides the institution’s approach to healthcare.
“The poor too deserve the best of treatment.”
He observed that this philosophy is reflected in the efforts of Father Muller Medical College Hospital and its departments to make advanced healthcare accessible to patients, irrespective of their circumstances.
He further remarked that a patient may come to the hospital seeking treatment, but the institution’s responsibility extends beyond the treatment itself—to help the patient return to daily life in the best possible physical and mental health.
Fr Faustine emphasised that every service rendered and every latest technology acquired by the institution is ultimately directed towards the well-being and health of the patient, and not towards pride or display.
He prayed that the doctors, nurses, technicians and staff entrusted with operating the new system would be blessed with wisdom and skill, and that the equipment would become an instrument of healing and a blessing to many patients.
Another Step Towards Patient Welfare
The day also witnessed another significant addition to patient welfare at FMMCH with the blessing and commissioning of the Gen 2 Stream Patient Elevator by OTIS Lifts, located on the Ground Floor of the OPD Building.
The new elevator, designed to accommodate up to 17 persons or three wheelchairs along with attendants, was formally opened for use by patients and the public by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI, in the presence of members of the FMCI Management Committee.
The commissioning of both the advanced Cath Lab system and the new patient elevator reflects the institution’s continuing efforts to strengthen clinical infrastructure while improving accessibility, convenience and the overall patient experience.
Distinguished Presence
The ceremony was attended by Rev. Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, FMMC; Rev. Fr John Vas and Rev. Fr Ronald Lobo, Chaplains, FMMCH; Rev. Fr William D’Souza, Assistant Administrator, FMMCH; Dr Antony D’Souza, Dean, FMMC; Dr Uday Kumar, Medical Superintendent, FMMCH; Dr Kiran Shetty, Additional Medical Superintendent, FMMCH; Dr Kishan Shetty, Deputy Medical Superintendent, FMMCH; Dr Kelvin Pais, Liaison Officer, FMCI; Dr Jotol Pinto Professor & Dr Ashoka Asst Prof, Cardiology Rita Monteiro, Cath Lab Nurse In-charge, along with senior consultants, faculty, nurses, technicians and staff.
The commissioning of the Shimadzu Trinias C12s Digital Angiography System marks another milestone in the continuing evolution of cardiac care at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, reinforcing its commitment to combining advanced technology with compassionate and patient-centred healthcare.