Rotary Club of Mangalore donates advanced Obstetric Critical Care Unit to Lady Goschen Hospital

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, November 13, 2025: The Government Lady Goschen Maternity Hospital in Mangaluru reached a major milestone on Tuesday with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Obstetric Critical Care Unit (OCCU), a long-cherished dream of the institution. The facility was officially handed over by Rotary International District 3181 Governor Rtn. Major Donor P.K. Ramakrishna, representing the Rotary Club of Mangalore, to the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Durgaprasad.

Valued at ₹70 lakh, the project was executed through a Rotary Foundation Global Grant. While the Rotary Club of Mangalore provided advanced medical equipment, the hospital developed the infrastructure to accommodate the new unit. The OCCU is expected to play a vital role in saving high-risk mothers during the critical post-delivery period, often referred to as the “golden hour” of obstetric care.

Speaking on the occasion, District Governor Rtn. P.K. Ramakrishna commended the hospital’s dedication to maintaining high standards of hygiene and delivering world-class maternal healthcare free of cost. “The facilities and environment here are comparable to some of the best hospitals in the country,” he noted.

Past District Governor Rtn. Vikramdatta praised the hospital staff for their compassion and commitment, particularly recognizing Dr. Durgaprasad and Dr. Jagadeesha (RMO) for their efforts in improving facilities through Rotary and corporate collaborations.

Project Chairman Rtn. Archibald Menezes elaborated on the Global Grant process and thanked the hospital for its cooperation. In his address, Dr. Durgaprasad expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Mangalore for implementing the much-needed initiative and for its sustained partnership over the years.

The event was attended by Rotarians, representatives of the Rotary Club of Coimbatore, media persons, and the hospital’s doctors and staff. Rtn. Vinod Aranha, President of the Rotary Club of Mangalore, welcomed the gathering; Immediate Past President Rtn. Devraj Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks; and Club Secretary Rtn. Dr. Kunal compered the programme.

Serving as a crucial maternity and child health centre for women from Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring districts, Lady Goschen Hospital handles nearly 7,000 deliveries each year, of which around 70% are high-risk pregnancies. The new OCCU will enable timely, life-saving intervention for both mothers and newborns.

Celebrating its 75th year, the Rotary Club of Mangalore continues to be one of the most active clubs under District 3181, having spearheaded several community welfare projects. These include a physiotherapy unit and dialysis machines at Wenlock Hospital, a mobile blood donation bus for the Indian Red Cross Society, a cancer detection bus for Yenepoya Hospital, a Human Skin Bank at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, and a Human Milk Bank at Lady Goschen Hospital.

The Club expressed gratitude to Rotary District 3181, The Rotary Foundation, IPDG Rtn. Vikramdatta, Rotary International District 7450 and the Rotary Club of Central Chester County (Lionville), USA, Rtn. AKS Vasanth Prabhu (USA), PDG Rtn. H.R. Keshav (Rotary Club of Mysore Brindavan), and members of the Rotary Club of Coimbatore for their contributions.

It also acknowledged the cooperation and support of Dr. Durgaprasad and Dr. Jagadeesha in facilitating the project.