Mangaluru: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) celebrated the Feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne, its patron saints, with religious observances and the inauguration of key infrastructure and healthcare facilities, reaffirming its commitment to its mission of “Heal and Comfort.”

The celebrations included a festive Eucharistic celebration, the blessing of the institution’s enhanced front façade, the commissioning of a state-of-the-art GE Revolution Maxima 2.0 CT Scanner, and the announcement of expanded cardiac imaging services.

Festal Eucharistic celebration

The day began with a concelebrated Festal Eucharistic Celebration at St. Joseph’s Chapel, led by Very Rev. Fr. Victor George D’Souza, Chancellor of the Diocese of Mangalore, along with priests from the diocese, guest clergy, and the management of Father Muller Charitable Institutions.

In his homily, Fr. Victor George D’Souza encouraged the faithful to live in communion with God through prayer, humility, and compassionate service. Drawing inspiration from St. Joachim and St. Anne, he urged everyone to care for the poor, the sick, and the suffering, reflecting the values of Christian service.

Enhanced campus entrance dedicated

Following the Mass, the institution dedicated its enhanced front façade, which was blessed by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions.

The widened and redesigned entrance was developed to improve accessibility, pedestrian safety, and traffic movement within the campus.

Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo said the upgraded entrance was created in response to the institution’s growing needs.

“The need was felt and we have delivered. It is now our collective responsibility to make the best possible use of this enhanced entrance to ensure smoother traffic flow, safer movement for pedestrians and a welcoming environment for all who come seeking healing and knowledge,” he said.

Advanced CT scanner commissioned

As part of the celebrations, Father Muller Medical College Hospital commissioned the GE Revolution Maxima 2.0 CT Scanner, further strengthening its diagnostic capabilities.

The advanced imaging system was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo and blessed by Very Rev. Fr. Victor George D’Souza in the presence of administrators, faculty members, department heads, biomedical engineers, GE Healthcare representatives, and invited guests.

Welcoming the gathering on behalf of Dr. Ram Shenoy Basti, Professor and Head of the Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Dr. Krishna Kiran S., Professor, Department of Radio-Diagnosis, thanked the management and project team for successfully completing the installation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Krishna Kiran said the hospital continues to strengthen its diagnostic services while remaining committed to compassionate healthcare.

He explained that the GE Revolution Maxima 2.0 features Artificial Intelligence-based radiation optimisation, capable of reducing radiation exposure by up to 82 per cent, along with high-speed imaging, a 0.35-second gantry rotation, and advanced cardiac imaging software that enables more accurate, low-dose cardiac CT examinations.

He also emphasised that advanced technology delivers the best outcomes when supported by skilled healthcare professionals trained in modern diagnostic techniques.

Strengthened cardiac imaging services

The hospital also announced the expansion of its Cardiac Imaging Services under the leadership of Dr. Anston Vernon Braggs, who has received specialised training in advanced cardiac imaging.

Beginning August 1, 2026, the hospital will offer a 30 per cent concession on Cardiac CT and Cardiac MRI examinations. Calcium Scoring will also be included in the Executive Health Check-up Package at a concessional rate to support the early detection of coronary artery disease.

With the addition of the new CT scanner, Father Muller Medical College Hospital now houses two advanced CT scanners, two high-end MRI systems including a 3 Tesla MRI, an advanced angiography suite, ultrasound and colour Doppler systems, and modern image intensifier technology.

Fellowship breakfast concludes celebrations

The celebrations concluded with a fellowship breakfast for faculty members, staff, and students across the institution’s four campuses.

The gathering reflected the spirit of St. Joachim and St. Anne, fostering unity, fellowship, and the institution’s enduring commitment to service, compassion, and quality healthcare.