“Vatsalya” opens at Lombard Memorial Hospital, Udupi

Udupi: “Vatsalya”, the Palliative Care Centre of Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital, Udupi, was inaugurated on Saturday, April 29, at the hospital premises by the Rt. Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese. A specialised facility to mark the hospital’s centenary year, it caters to the needs of cancer and end-of-life patients.

District health officer Dr Nagabhushan Udupa N. was the chief guest. Dr Sushil Jathanna, director of the hospital, presided. Jayakar Shetty Indrali, General Manager of Badagabettu Credit Cooperative Society, Dr Karthik S. Udupa, HOD Department of Oncology, Kasturba Hospital Manipal, Dr Vinay Rajendra, a surgical oncologist; Shami Kazi, President of Jamiyyatul Falah, Udupi; and Rev. Ivan D. Soans, Udupi Area Chairman of Karnataka Southern Diocese, were the guests of honour.

Describing palliative care as the new face of healthcare, Bishop Hemachandra Kumar appreciated the efforts of Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital to renovate an old, dilapidated building and construct a modern palliative care facility for end-of-life patients. “Everybody has dreams, but only a few can make them a reality. Old institutions can be revived only if there are good leaders. I congratulate Dr Sushil Jatanna on rejuvenating Lombard Hospital. Today it has become an example for the whole district,” he said, adding that the palliative care unit fulfils an urgent necessity in Udupi.

District health officer Dr Nagabhushan Udupa N. observed that palliative care provides care, compassion, and treatment under one roof. “This is a praiseworthy initiative as there is a great need for palliative care in Udupi district. Today, there are 90 patients in the district who are permanently bedridden due to spinal injuries. The government is providing them with palliative care at home under the Arogya Sparsha scheme,” he said.

Dr Sushil Jathanna, Director of Lombard Memorial Hospital, said that less than 2 per cent of India’s population has access to pain management and palliative care. “Families find it very difficult to maintain a bedridden patient. They rely on untrained home nurses, paying exorbitant fees. It is unaffordable and puts a great strain on the family. Our palliative care centre will take care of such patients. It will provide care, love and compassion rather than treatment, as there is no cure for their ailment. It provides relief to reduce their pain.” He explained that Vatsalya has a general ward, a semi-special ward, and a special ward with attached toilets. There is a treatment room and an interfaith prayer room. There will be counsellors to provide emotional support to mentally-weak patients. This is not for profit, but for the service of the patients, he said.

Jayakar Shetty Indrali observed that Mission Hospital is actively addressing the difficulties of the people and providing compassionate care till the last breath.

Dr Kathik Udupa said that early integration of palliative care is important for giving the best relief to cancer patients. “Many people think that palliative care is only for the end of life. But the modern concept is to include palliative care in every aspect of treatment,” he said.

Dr Vinay Rajendra said that everyone wants a painless and dignified death, which can be ensured only through palliative care. “Presently, India ranks at 135 among 150 nations in the quality of death index. Hence, more attention should be paid to improving the facilities for end-of-life patients to provide comfort and relief from pain,” he said.
Rev. Ivan Soans expressed confidence that this centre will help a lot of patients. Shami Kazi, a benefactor of the hospital whose family has donated three dialysis machines, appreciated the institution’s commitment to providing non-commercial service at a minimum cost.

Ruhi Ratnakar, PRO, welcomed the gathering. Ganesh Kamath, a senior physician, proposed the vote of thanks. Celine Susan was the master of ceremonies. The prayer song was sung by the nursing students, led by Timothy and his group. The hospital’s choir group also rendered a tribute song.