EM Karnataka 2026: 6th Annual State-Level Conference Held at Father Muller
Mangaluru: The Department of Emergency Medicine, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), Mangaluru, hosted EM Karnataka 2026 – the 6th Annual State-Level Conference on November 14, 2026, in association with the Karnataka Emergency Physicians Association (KEPA).
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), with Dr. Shalini Nalwad, Director of ICATT and Air Ambulance Services, as the Chief Guest.
The occasion was graced by Rev. Dr. Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, FMMC; Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH); Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, Father Muller Medical College; Dr. Bharath Kempanna, President, KEPA; Dr. Annaiah Kulal, KMC Observer; and Dr. Shailaja, Organising Secretary of the conference.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Climate Change and Emergency Medicine – Preparing for the Health Crisis of Tomorrow,” addressed one of the most pressing global health concerns of our time. It emphasised the need for preparedness, adaptability and a robust emergency healthcare response to climate-related health challenges.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Kiran Shetty, Professor and Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine, FMMC, and Organising Chairman of EM Karnataka 2026.
In her address, Chief Guest Dr. Shalini Nalwad drew a compelling parallel between emergency medicine physicians and mavericks, highlighting their instinctive judgement, clinical acumen and ability to make decisive interventions in critical situations. She observed that knowing one has done everything possible to save a patient’s life is among the greatest rewards of the profession.
She also highlighted the vital role of emergency medicine physicians in saving lives and preserving the viability of vital organs, thereby facilitating organ donation and transplantation wherever possible. Sharing her professional journey, she spoke about her contribution to establishing India’s first CRA with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for patient airlift and organ retrieval transfers. She emphasised how organised air ambulance services have transformed emergency medical transportation and helped save numerous lives.
Dr. Bharath Kempanna, President of KEPA, called upon emergency medicine physicians, particularly the next generation of practitioners, to develop leadership qualities, uphold professional commitment and nurture a strong sense of responsibility towards strengthening the emergency medicine fraternity.
A significant highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the launch of the official website of the Karnataka Emergency Physicians Association and the release of a Kannada First Aid Training Manual titled ‘ಪ್ರಥಮ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ (ತ್ವರಿತ ಉಲ್ಲೇಖ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶಿ)’.
The manual serves as a practical, illustrated quick-reference guide to essential first-aid procedures. It covers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), choking, heart attacks, stroke, bleeding, burns, snake bites, and several other medical emergencies. The initiative aims to make essential first-aid knowledge more accessible to the Kannada-speaking population and promote preparedness at the community level.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo posed a thought-provoking question: “Does a hospital need patients, or does the community need a hospital?”
He drew a distinction between a business-oriented healthcare model, which primarily focuses on revenue generation, and a community-oriented hospital, which places greater emphasis on the determinants of health and the overall well-being of the population it serves.
He stressed that a hospital’s responsibility extends beyond its walls, as the health needs and circumstances of the community ultimately determine the demand for healthcare services. He reiterated that medicine and healthcare must remain a commitment to the community rather than become merely a business-driven enterprise.
Chief Guest Dr. Shalini Nalwad, Director of ICATT and Air Ambulance Services, was felicitated in recognition of her contributions to emergency medical services.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Shailaja, Professor and Organising Secretary, who expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the institutional leadership, dignitaries, organising committee, faculty members, delegates and everyone who contributed to the success of the state-level conference.
The inaugural ceremony was compered by Dr. Niveditha and Dr. Deeksha.
