Mangaluru: The Department of Hospital Administration, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS), successfully organised a one-day Medico-Legal Conference titled “TRENDS 2K26” on January 30, 2026, at the Decennial Memorial Hall, as part of the Pearl Jubilee celebrations marking 30 years of academic excellence of the Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) programme.

Over the last three decades, the MHA programme at Father Muller has played a vital role in shaping professionally competent hospital administrators who have made significant contributions to the healthcare sector across the country. The programme has earned a strong reputation for its academic rigour, practical orientation, and commitment to excellence in healthcare management.

A journey of three decades in healthcare leadership

The inaugural session reflected on the remarkable journey of the MHA programme since its inception. The course, which began in a modest hospital setting, has evolved into one of the most sought-after programmes in hospital administration, producing graduates who now serve in leadership roles across hospitals, healthcare organisations, and allied sectors nationwide.

Keynote address by course pioneer

The Chief Guest for the conference was Dr B. Sanjeev Rai, former Chief of Research and Dean, Father Muller Medical College, and one of the key contributors to the inception of the MHA programme. In his keynote address, Dr Rai recalled the early challenges involved in introducing a newly curated academic programme and highlighted the vision and perseverance of the management and faculty that transformed the initiative into a success.

He emphasised that the course has consistently upheld high academic standards and continues to produce capable administrators equipped to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare system. In recognition of his foundational role and sustained guidance, Dr B. Sanjeev Rai was felicitated as the first teacher of the MHA programme.

Administration as a pillar of healthcare delivery

Presiding over the function, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), underlined the indispensable role of hospital administrators in ensuring effective healthcare delivery. He noted that administration is as critical to patient outcomes as clinical expertise, particularly in areas such as accreditation, safety protocols, governance, and quality assurance. He stressed that the success of a healthcare institution is always the result of teamwork and shared responsibility.

Celebrating milestones and creativity

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Nirmala Kumari, Head of the Department of Hospital Administration, who traced the 30-year journey of the MHA programme, highlighting its milestones, growth, and impact on the healthcare ecosystem.

A notable highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the unveiling of the Pearl Jubilee logo, specially designed by Ms Manju M, a second-year MHA student. She was felicitated for her creative contribution by Dr Michael Santhumayour, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital.

Academic sessions on medico-legal trends

Following the inaugural session, the conference featured a series of expert talks addressing contemporary medico-legal challenges:

  • Adv. K. Nikesh Shetty, Legal Expert, spoke on Medical Negligence: New Indian Laws and Recent Judicial Verdicts.
  • Dr Udaya Kumar, Medical Superintendent, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, discussed the Role of Hospital Administrators in the Prevention and Management of Medico-Legal Issues.
  • Adv. Latha Holla, Legal Expert, presented insights on the Future of Medical Law in India: Emerging Risks and Reforms.
  • Dr Vijetha, Quality Officer and Assistant Professor, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, elaborated on Legal Implications of Patient Safety Incidents and Sentinel Events.

The sessions generated active discussion and provided valuable perspectives for students and professionals navigating the medico-legal landscape of healthcare.

Wide participation and academic impact

The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty of hospital administration programmes from institutions across Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra. With over 320 registrations, the event reflected strong academic interest and regional reach.

The programme also highlighted the MHA and Bachelor of Hospital Administration (BHA) courses offered at Father Muller, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to developing skilled healthcare administrators capable of addressing complex legal, ethical, and quality-related challenges.

A fitting tribute to the Pearl Jubilee

The conference was efficiently compered by first-year MHA students Deona Jane Menezes and Nishma Monteiro, while Andrea Solomon and Zakia Sana Khader served as session moderators. Dr Sweta  DCunha, Organising Secretary of TRENDS 2K26, proposed the vote of thanks. Former Head of the Department and Dr Shivashankara A. R., Principal, FMCOAHS, were also present on the occasion.

TRENDS 2K26 stood as a meaningful academic tribute to the Pearl Jubilee celebrations, reaffirming Father Muller’s enduring legacy in shaping leadership, professionalism, and excellence in hospital administration.