Bishop Gerald Lobo Inaugurates Subsidized Dialysis Treatment Trinity Medicare Service Program in Udupi
Udupi: “There is no service greater than wiping the tears of the poor. This is also the true spirit of the Holy Church. Everyone should cultivate the virtue of responding to the suffering of others,” said Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Udupi Catholic Diocese.
He was speaking on Sunday at the Milagres Cathedral Hall in Kallianpur after inaugurating the Trinity Medicare Service Scheme, launched to provide a 50% discount on dialysis treatment for economically disadvantaged and eligible kidney patients in the Udupi district. This initiative is led by the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh and entrepreneur and Philanthropist Joseph Menezes of Sasthan, with support from Frieda Rego and Basil Pinto.
“When we respond to the sorrow of the poor, we become worthy of God’s love. Serving the poorest and the suffering reaches God directly. It is commendable that Joseph Menezes and his team have come forward through the Catholic Sabha to undertake such a noble service. May this service continue uninterrupted,” the Bishop said.
Speaking during the blessing ceremony, Udupi Diocese Public Relations Officer Fr. Denis D’Sa said, “When our service brings joy to another person’s life, the purpose of being human is fulfilled. If such compassion grows, even the poor can experience a peaceful life. Birth is free, death is certain, but the value of our life lies in how much of it we dedicate to the service of others.”
Renowned city doctor Dr Megha Pai, in her address, said, “There is a huge difference between the food habits of earlier times and today. Due to excessive consumption of junk food, cases of heart disease, diabetes, and kidney-related issues are increasing. Maintaining moderation in diet can help prevent kidney complications.”
During the programme, the Bishop unveiled the Blood Donor Directory released by Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh and the poster for the upcoming Joshil musical programme, organized to support future health initiatives.
As a symbolic gesture, identity cards were handed over to three dialysis patients. Joseph Menezes explained to the gathering the purpose for which he initiated the project.
Catholic Sabha also honoured Joseph Menezes of Sasthan and the husband-wife duo Basil Pinto, who are the main contributors to the Trinity Medicare Scheme, along with Joseph Crasta, Director of Snehalaya Ashram.
The programme was presided over by Ronald Almeda, President of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh.
Well-known Speaker person Rafiq Master (Mangaluru), former president Santosh Cornelio, Treasurer Urban Lewis, and others were present.
Ronald Almeda welcomed the gathering, Joel Almeda proposed the vote of thanks, and Alwyn Andrade compered the programme.
About the Scheme:
The facility has been launched in selected hospitals of the Udupi district. Initially, dialysis treatment with 50% concession is available at Goretti Hospital, Santhekatte (Kallianpur), and Mahesh Hospital, Brahmavar. The service will soon be extended to designated hospitals in Karkala and Kundapur.
Economically disadvantaged dialysis patients from anywhere in the Udupi district are eligible to apply for the scheme. It is open to all religions and communities. Applicants must submit a recommendation from the local Catholic Sabha unit along with the application.
Once registered, patients will receive an official identity card, which will enable them to receive continuous dialysis treatment at a 50% discount in the designated hospitals. The remaining 50% of the cost will be covered by Joseph Menezes and his team, through the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh.
