Pharmacists Felicitated at Father Muller on World Pharmacist Day
Mangaluru: Father Muller Medical College Hospital celebrated World Pharmacist Day with enthusiasm and gratitude, recognising the dedicated services of pharmacists and pharmacy personnel who work round the clock to ensure the safe and timely dispensing of medicines to patients and various departments of the hospital.
The celebration brought together the pharmacy team to acknowledge their commitment, professionalism, and indispensable contribution to patient care. The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, whose constant encouragement and support have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Pharmacy Department.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Sr. Mary Zeenath Suares, IC, Pharmacy, who highlighted the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.” Quoting the words, “My words are antibiotics, my smile is analgesic, my touch is anti-inflammatory, my presence is antiseptic, my feeling is antipyretic. That’s why I am a pharmacist,” she reflected on the compassion, responsibility, and human connection integral to the profession of pharmacy.
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo appreciated the dedication of the pharmacy team and acknowledged the significant responsibility entrusted to pharmacists as one of the final points of contact between the healthcare system and patients. Referring to the quotation shared during the welcome address, he suggested that it be framed and displayed prominently in the Pharmacy to serve as a constant reminder to pharmacists of the meaning and responsibility attached to their profession.
The Director observed that the anxiety and expectations of patients and their families are often clearly visible in the waiting areas. Patients arrive with the hope of seeing their loved ones recover and return home, and pharmacists, being among the final healthcare professionals they encounter, have an important role to play in offering reassurance, empathy and hope.
He emphasised that while dispensing medicines is a professional responsibility, the manner in which pharmacists interact with patients is equally important. “The consumer is king, and the responsibility for what is given to the consumer rests with the dispenser,” he noted, underscoring the importance of accuracy, accountability and compassion in pharmaceutical services.
A cake-cutting ceremony added a spirit of fellowship and joy to the celebration.
The services and long-standing commitment of members of the Pharmacy Department were also recognised. Ms. Safia Thalachery, Junior Pharmacist, with 8 years and 6 months of service; Ms. Chaithra, Junior Pharmacist, with 7 years of service; Ms. Veena Lobo, Senior Clerk, with 29 years and 3 months of service; Ms. Mamatha, Senior Pharmacy Assistant, with 18 years of service; Ms. Janaki, Pharmacy Assistant, with 17 years and 10 months of service; and Mr. Tharanath, Senior Attender, with 13 years and 4 months of service were felicitated by the Director for their dedicated contribution to the institution.
Mr. Shreyas, Pharmacist, was specially honoured for his commendable commitment to voluntary blood donation. He has donated blood 27 times, reflecting a spirit of service that extends beyond his professional responsibilities.
Expanded Pharmacy Services for Greater Patient Convenience
The celebration also highlighted the recently expanded Pharmacy facility at Father Muller Medical College Hospital. The new, spacious facility has been developed to provide greater convenience, accessibility, and efficiency to both in-patients (IP) and out-patients (OP).
The expanded facility supports the institution’s “One Roof, One Stop” approach, enabling patients and their attendants to access pharmaceutical services in a more organised and convenient environment. The expansion aims to streamline the dispensing process, reduce waiting time, and enhance the overall patient experience, while ensuring that medicines are efficiently available to various hospital departments and clinical services.
The programme was attended by Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital; Rev. Fr. William D’Souza, Rev. Fr. John Vas and Rev. Fr. Ronald Lobo, Spiritual Animators; Dr. Kishan Shetty, Additional Medical Superintendent, FMMCH; the HR Manager; Finance Officer; Senior Administrative Officer; Dr. Manjunath, DTC Chairman; and the Liaison Officer, along with members of the Pharmacy Department and allied staff.
The celebration served as a meaningful tribute to the pharmacists and pharmacy personnel of Father Muller, whose round-the-clock service, professional commitment, and compassion continue to strengthen the institution’s mission of healing and comforting those entrusted to its care.
Ms. Sonali Rodrigues, Operations Executive of the Pharmacy, proposed the vote of thanks.