Mangaluru: The Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS) the youngest unit of the Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) has been making steady yet momentous progress in the academic arena. With many courses under its umbrella catering to the para and allied health sciences stream, the college heralded its courses inaugural on 15 November 2021 in celebration of the new entrants and to their new vocation into healthcare. The whole event was conducted on a hybrid mode, with live streaming for the parents and guardians.
The dignitaries and the new entrants were welcomed by the Dean of the Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS) Dr Antony Sylvan DSouza who also elaborated on the credentials of the Chief guest for the occasion. His words of appreciation and gratitude to the students struck a chord that was cherished. He was proud to proclaim that the FMCOAHS is the largest constituent academic unit of FMCI with over 300 intakes at present and many more to be added in the next year.
The event was presided over by the Director FMCI Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho with Dr Sharath Kumar Rao J, Senior Consultant & HOD, Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, Nodal Officer ICMR, Government Wenlock Hospital as the Chief Guest. Dr Sharath has to his credit a long list of achievements that have given him due recognition in and around the state. His commendable work in Blood storage in Kundapur Taluk as a Blood bank officer had earned him nationwide repute. His stint now in the District Wenlock Hospital has borne fruit with the commencement of the DNB programme in his department. He was the student of Dr Antony DSouza and he worked in the FMMC in the year 2001-2002.
In his address to the students, Dr Sharath focused on the importance of allied healthcare workers in bridging the gap between patients and doctors. The service rendered by the allied health worker brings in clarity for the doctor and helps patients with their comforting care. The choice though some might feel “Just Missed Effect”, enrolling in the allied course for not securing an MBBS seat is not to falter or moan on, but to celebrate and be determined and strong in one’s destiny and effort.
The service of care especially nursing care at Father Muller has been echoed since he was an MBBS student and still holds true after this many years. Thus, even during the pandemic the hospital and its staff have stood with the sick, comforting and caring without any distinction. He concluded by saying that the students should give back to the society a healthcare service sector than an health care industry by contributing their wisdom and knowledge parallel.
Director FMCI emphasized the importance of discipline, determination, dedication and detachment. Mantras that need to be imbibed by every student is the ethos of the institutions with over 141 years of legacy. The students going through the portals of this institution not only stand out of the rest but are trendsetters. The management wishes that each student develops holistically thus its has focused on providing the best of the infrastructure, the best in faculty and best in co-curricular activities. The vestments of the students should be the ethos of the institution of “Heal and Comfort” with service and dedication. The importance of the student in developing an institution goes hand in hand too. Students need to learn above all their skills and knowledge that can help them better themselves.
The courses under the FMCOAHS are Physiotherapy (BPT/MPT), Hospital Administration (BHA/MHA), BSc Courses: Medical Imaging Technology, Radio-Therapy, Medical Laboratory Technology, Anesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology, Renal Dialysis Technology. MSc courses: Medical Laboratory Technology, Radio Physics. All the courses are affiliated with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru.
The number of courses and students desire to be part of the Mullerian Family shows the Institutions focus on infrastructural requirements and impetus for teaching excellence with the overall development of each student focusing on physical, mental-emotional health. The Vote of thanks was delivered by Prof Cherishma D’silva, Course coordinator for the Physiotherapy Programme and the Master of the ceremony was Ms Alisha Austin Lobo, lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy. Rev. Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, Administrator FMMCH; Rev. Fr Ajith B Menezes, Members of the Management and governing committee, faculty, staff and students were present on the occasion.
Yet a proud moment, in these times of uncertainty, that the will to survive, learn and adapt was seen among the youth. Many more such good times to come for all students and the innate desire to care and live shall help us to move cautiously yet steadily. The Father Muller Charitable Institutions has been in forefront of healthcare with its 141 years of growth and service to the peoples of the region.
