Dental, Specialty OPDs inaugurated at Father Muller Salvadore Monteiro RHTC, Bajpe
Bajpe, Mangaluru: In a significant step towards strengthening rural healthcare services, the Dental Outpatient Department (OPD) and Specialty Outpatient Departments were inaugurated at the Father Muller Salvadore Monteiro Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Bajpe, the rural health extension of the Father Muller Medical College on Thursday 26 Feb 2026.
The newly established departments were blessed by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director of FMCI, who also led the prayer service. A welcome address was delivered by Fr Dr Michael L Santhumayor. Administrator FMMC. The facilities were formally inaugurated by local donor Mr Salvadore Monteiro by cutting the ribbon, marking the commencement of expanded healthcare services for the rural population of Bajpe and surrounding areas.
Delivering his message, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo emphasized that the extension of dental and specialty services at Bajpe was aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities who often find it difficult to travel to the main hospital at Kankanady for every consultation or treatment, ensuring that quality and specialized medical services reach the grassroots level.
He noted that while essential and primary treatments would be provided at the Rural Health Training Centre, patients requiring advanced medical intervention would be referred to Kankanady, where comprehensive facilities are available. “Our doors are always open for care. Our motto is ‘Heal and Comfort’. We do not only aim to treat illnesses but also to ensure that patients feel supported and cared for,” he said.
He further expressed gratitude to donor Mr Salvadore Monteiro for enabling the establishment of the centre and acknowledged the dedication of doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and support staff who serve in comparatively challenging rural conditions. He appreciated their commitment and sacrifice in extending healthcare services to the underserved population.
Among those present on the occasion were Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean, Father Muller Medical College; Dr Sudhir Prabhu, head of the department of community medicine; Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital; Prof Cherishma, principal FMCOP; Dr Nandita, head of the dental department; Dr Rachana K Nair, assistant professor and RHTC in-charge; Dr Madhu Malar; and other faculty members and staff.
Along with the dental OPD Extended services of the department of physiotherapy will be provided along with other speciality departments of FMMCH. The dental section was inaugurated by Mr Salvadore Monteiro, the Speciality consultation units by Fr Faustine Lobo and the Physiotherapy unit by Fr Micheal Santhumayor. The entire programme was beautifully arranged by Dr Rachana K Nair. Compeered by Dr Madhu Malar Senior Resident Com Med.
