Father Muller – Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan
Mangalore: The Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan initiative was conducted across various locations in and around Mangaluru during September-October 2025, with a strong focus on women and child health awareness, empowerment, and wellness. Organized by Father Muller Charitable Institutions units; Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller College of Nursing, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, Father Muller College in collaboration with community partners, the series of camps included programs on women’s health, family well-being, child safety, accident prevention, nutrition awareness, and mental health. Special sessions were held for Anganwadi workers and children, school students, mothers, and the elderly, ensuring wide community participation. The events were graced by dignitaries, healthcare professionals, and local leaders, whose guidance and presence added significance to the initiative.
Efforts by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director FMCI; Rev. Dr Micheal Santhumayor, Administrator FMMC/FMCOAHS/FMCOP; Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator FMMCH and Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza, Dean FMMC fruitioned with the MC committee members, faculty and students onboard for this Abhiyaan.
The Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan is a community health initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, focusing on women’s wellness, preventive healthcare, and family empowerment. This initiative began with the Birthday celebration of PM Shri Narendra Modi and culminated on Gandhi Jayanthi. Father Muller Charitable Institutions took the lead in September 2025 by conducting a series of awareness and wellness programs in Mangaluru and the surrounding regions especially in the rural regions and focusing on the unreached. With the aim of reaching out to women, children, the elderly, and families, the institution extended its mission of “Heal and Comfort” beyond hospital premises into the community.
The first program was held on 17th September 2025 at St. Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Wilfred Prakash D’Souza and Dr. Rio D’Souza with a talk by Dietician Ms Sandis on importance of Nutrition on General health especially centered around adolescent women health. On the same day, the Department of Speech and Hearing of Father Muller College organized a free Speech and Hearing Camp as part of International Hearing-Impaired Week along with Dept of ENT, FMMC; while the Department of Mental Health Nursing conducted an extension program on resilience at Maria Nilaya, Jeppu. These events highlighted the importance of health awareness, inclusivity, and emotional well-being.
On 18th September 2025, the General Health and Women’s Wellness Camp was conducted in collaboration with the CISF Unit, Mangalore, where doctors from Father Muller Medical College Hospital engaged participants in discussions on women’s health at the CISF Barracks in the Old Mangalore Airport conducted by Dr Rakesh Rai and team.
This was followed by a program on 19th September 2025 at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, focusing on child safety and accident prevention under the guidance of the Department of Child Health Nursing. The next camp was held on 21st September 2025 at Uppinangady Church, with Rev. Fr. Jerald D’Souza and other dignitaries encouraging over 150 participants to adopt preventive healthcare practices. Checkup for women and children were done in association with the Indian Cancer Society and CHC Uppinangady with the help of Rotary Club Uppinangady.
The momentum continued on 22nd September 2025 with a health awareness camp at Mangalore Central Railway Station, supported by Chief medical Officer Dr Swathi and Mr Santhosh atteneded by the Director FMCI and Dean of Father Muller College.
On 23rd September 2025, an awareness camp on palliative care was conducted at Ave Maria Centre, Vamanjoor, under the guidance of Dr. Lavina M. Noronha, highlighting the value of compassion and holistic healthcare. On 26th September 2025, two significant programs were organized—“Together for Elders” at Olavina Halli Rehabilitation Centre, Kinya, and a school health program at Raymond’s English Medium School, Vamanjoor, which educated 147 students about the prevention of malaria and dengue.
Further, on 27th September 2025, an awareness camp for women and children was organized near Chitrapura with the participation of over 200 attendees, supported by Father Muller Medical College Administrator Rev. Dr Micheal Santhumayor and local community leaders. On 30th September 2025 at the Father Muller Medical College Hospital campus, Kankanady, with Dr. Ektha of OBG Educating expecting mothers on healthy living and postpartum issues. The program offered health check-ups, consultations, and counseling sessions, benefiting a large number of women and community members.
On 1 and 2 October OBG OBG focused on creating health awareness to women attending their antenatal checkup. The cardiology Department too launched the Health Heart Checkup campaign coinciding with the Swast Nari Champaign.
Through these initiatives, Father Muller Charitable Institutions successfully demonstrated their commitment to women’s health, preventive medicine, and family empowerment. The active participation of doctors, faculty, students, community leaders, and social organizations made the month-long campaign impactful. The Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan has strengthened the bond between healthcare providers and the community, reaffirming the institution’s vision of building a healthier and stronger society.
