Mangaluru: Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) welcomed a high-profile academic guest from Indonesia as part of a prestigious international dermatology collaboration under the Global Partnerships for Education and Care (GPEC) programme, backed by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS).
Global recognition for FMCI
Chosen as one of only 12 institutions worldwide, FMMCH is now partnered with Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia, under the two-year ILDS initiative that seeks to elevate global standards in dermatology through education, exchange, and research.
The visit of Associate Professor Dr Dehlya Widasmara, a distinguished faculty member from Brawijaya University and Dr Saiful Anwar General Hospital, marked the formal beginning of this collaboration. Dr Widasmara is widely recognised for her innovations in tropical dermatology, AI-based skin disease detection, and public health education. Her contributions include the development of the DAMBAKU Lotion for scabies and the INSERT AI app, which aids in early diagnosis.
Ceremony marks new academic chapter
The welcome ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), who praised the significance of the GPEC initiative. He highlighted the potential of such partnerships to deepen global understanding of dermatological diseases, especially those with regional variations and public health implications.
He also lauded Dr Ramesh Bhat, senior dermatologist and Head of Father Muller Research Centre (FMRC), whose efforts led to FMMCH being selected for the programme. Fr Coelho further spoke of the department’s historic legacy, noting its Postgraduate programme began in 1991, even before the launch of the MBBS course in 1997 — a rare distinction in Indian medical education.
Legacy of excellence in dermatology
The Department of Dermatology at Father Muller Medical College is renowned for its work in leprosy, pigmentary disorders, and infectious skin diseases, and has consistently earned recognition, including multiple Best Department Awards from IADVL Karnataka. It continues to stand as a centre of excellence in clinical care, research, and academic leadership.
In addition to Fr Coelho, the event saw the presence of incoming FMCI Director Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Dean Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Fr Ajith B Menezes, Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Vice Dean Dr Venkatesh B M, and Medical Superintendent Dr Uday Kumar, along with senior dermatology faculty.
Unfortunately, Dr Dehlya’s colleagues Dr Lita Setyowatie and Dr Nurrahama Wahyu Fitriyani were unable to attend due to unforeseen reasons, though their contributions to the collaboration were acknowledged.
Focus on academic and research collaboration
The GPEC partnership includes virtual training modules, reciprocal institutional visits, and shared access to the GPEC Knowledge Hub. A departmental report was presented by Prof. Dr Michelle Fernandes, and an overview of ongoing activities by Prof. Dr Rochelle Monteiro, the secondary lead for GPEC at FMMCH.
The exchange is expected to drive collaborative research and education initiatives, with an emphasis on tropical dermatology, neglected skin conditions, and technology-integrated care.
About the partner institutions
Brawijaya University, established in 1963, is one of Indonesia’s leading universities with a strong focus on healthcare and dermatology.
Father Muller Charitable Institutions, founded in 1880 by Rev. Fr Augustus Muller, continues to be a leading force in Indian healthcare and medical education with a commitment to “Heal and Comfort”.
This collaboration marks a vital step forward in FMCI’s vision to expand its global footprint and contribute to inclusive, international advancements in dermatological care.
