Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Badyar - Belthangady, July 11 : Annual Meet was held at Fr L. M Pinto health centre, Badyar on 5th July 2024. This occasion marked the handing of the charge by the Sisters of Bethany Congregation to the newly appointed Administrator Rev. Fr Roshan Crasta the Parish Priest of St Raphael Church Badyar. In a festive spirit the staff and the well wishers witnessed this program. This ceremonial event took place in the hospital OPD Block. The welcome address was delivered by Sr. Jyothsna BS newly appointed Assistant Administrator and Nursing Superintendent of the hospital.

Program commenced by invoking God’s benevolence blessings through a prayer song by the hospital staff. This event marked a special moment by signing an MOU between Father Muller Charitable Institutions and Fr L.M Pinto hospital for all the academic and clinical support in the presence of Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo, Designate Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions. Another MOU is also being signed between Fr L.M Pinto hospital and congregation of Bethany sisters for the Nursing services in the presence of Sr. Lilly Pereira Provincial superior. Later administration was officially handed over to Fr Roshan Crasta, newly appointed administrator.

Fr Roshan Crasta in his speech, thanked the Bishop of Mangalore for placing all the trust on him and entrusting the responsibility of the hospital. He thanked the management of Father Muller and sisters of Bethany for assuring all the support to Fr L M Pinto hospital.

Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo in his presidential address appreciated the dedicated services of sisters of Bethany, all the doctors, nurses, all the staff of the hospital, well wishers and general public. In his inspiring message, appealed all the staff to serve with utmost dedication and sincerity to the suffering humanity. Fr Faustine also assured all the support from Father Muller Charitable Institutions.

On this occasion, Sr Lilly Pereira, Fr Maxim Rosario, Fr Vincent Dsouza the trustees of Fr L M Pinto hospital, Fr Walter Dmello Parish Priest of Belthangady church, Dr. Denzil, Mr. Valerian Crasta were present on the Dais. Sr Janet Rego proposed vote of thanks and also compered the program. Program concluded with a hymn praising God almighty.

About Fr L.M Pinto Health Centre:

Badyar, a small village which is situated 7 kilometers away from Belthangady city was inhabited mainly by the poor and illiterate people during the 19th century. Except for agriculture there was no prospect for undertaking any other profession for the inhabitants of this village. Lot of people suffered and precious lives were lost due to Venomous snake bites and other communicable diseases like malaria and cholera in this forest area as medical facility was not available in close vicinity. Transport facility was beyond the reach of the people of this village those days, even if they wanted to come to Mangalore for treatment.

Fr Louis M Pinto, a zealous and saintly missionary priest of Mangalore diocese was appointed as the parish priest of Badyar Parish in 1927. He could not endure the agony of the people of this village and wanted to help them cope with their sufferings. He invited his brother Dr. Peter Paul Pinto a gold Medalist from Madras medical college to render his service to the people of Belthangady and specially Badyar. Fr L.M Pinto succeeded in convincing his brother to leave his well paid medical practice in Chennai and come to the barren land of Badyar to serve the people.

The Pinto brothers were ably supported in their mission by their two sisters and due to their resolute efforts the name and fame of their service spread to the surrounding areas. People of the neighboring areas also started flocking to this place for treatment. Following the death of Dr. P.P Pinto in 1959 the health activities came to a standstill.

In 1978 Fr. Gerald Lobo, present Bishop of Udupi Diocese under CODP headed by Msgr. Edwin Pinto revived the medical mission with a 10 bedded health centre namely Fr L.M Pinto Health centre. Till 1991, the doctors from Fr Muller’s Hospital, Kankanady visited the centre. In 1992 the management of the Hospital was entrusted to Bethany Congregation. Since then till today the Health centre has steadily advanced in all areas of health care. At present the health centre has 60 beds with following facilities: 24 hrs Laboratory services, Fully furnished major and minor OT facility, ECG, X-ray, Ultrasonography facilities Labour Theatre, Incubator and Phototherapy Unit, 24 hrs Pharmacy for inpatients, Physiotherapy Unit, Ambulance Services.