Mangaluru: Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMCI) marked a major milestone with the blessing and commissioning of the Vascular & Neuro Interventional Bi-Plane Suite, featuring the Philips AZURION BIPLANE 3.0, a first-of-its-kind installation in Dakshina Kannada.
Ceremonial inauguration of advanced IR facility
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Mandeep Sagar, Assistant Professor, Interventional Radiology, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Director, FMCI.Present on the occasion were Dr Suresh H. B. (HOD – IR), Dr Micheal Sathumayor (Administrator – FMMC), Fr Jeevan Sequeira (Administrator – FMMCH), Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza (Dean – FMMC), Dr Uday Kumar (Medical Superintendent) and other dignitaries.
The suite and imaging system were solemnly blessed by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director – FMCI, who invoked God’s blessings on all patients and healthcare professionals.
Philips Azurion Biplane 3.0: elevating imaging excellence
A brief technical note was presented on the Philips Azurion Biplane 3.0, highlighting:
Next-generation dual-arm interventional imaging
Advanced 2D/3D imaging, SmartCT, enhanced soft-tissue CBCT
Low-dose radiation with superior neuro-vascular visualisation
Flexible geometry with full-body coverage and fast C-arm movement
Seamless table-side touchscreen controls for high workflow efficiency
The system significantly enhances precision during minimally invasive neuro, vascular, and cardiac interventions. The unit is the first in Dakshina Kannada and among the most advanced installations in Karnataka.
Reflections on the department’s growing capabilities
Dr Lenon, Chief Interventional Radiologist, emphasised how the new suite expands FMCI’s scope in emergency and elective interventional procedures.Dr Ariharan K, Assistant Professor, demonstrated key functional upgrades and user advantages of the system.
Acknowledgements and gratitude
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Suresh H. B., HOD – Interventional Radiology, expressed deep appreciation to the FMCI Governing Board for approving the ₹15-crore upgrade and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to delivering world-class patient care.
He acknowledged the contributions of the following individuals and teams:
Mr Giridhar, Project Manager – Philips South India
Mr Karthikeyan, Sales Manager – Philips
Ms Lidia Pais, Finance Officer
Mr George Fernandez, Senior Administrative Officer
Christopher Noronha Architects, for exceptional architectural design and guidance
Mr Kiran, Architect, for the finest design contributions
Mr Joy Varghese, Bright Aluminium – aluminium fixtures and fittings
Mr Maxim, Meleena Electricals – electrical installations
Mr Vincy Pinto, Pinto Electricals – plumbing works
Mr William, Wisdom Enterprises – vinyl flooring, curtains, and décor
Mr Ajith, Ajith Arts – sticker artwork and visual branding
Mr Noel Veigas, ASHADEEP Constructions – timely civil works
Mrs Beena and team, for prompt painting works
Mr Ganesh Baliga, Good Hope – central supply pipelines
Mr Sandeep Samanth, Srinidhi Enterprises – Blue Star air-conditioning
Mr Alwyn Dsouza, fabrication works
Mr Michael, Maintenance Manager – FMCI, for continuous oversight
Mr Ronald (Rony), Assistant In-Charge of Maintenance, for consistent support and coordination
Nurse Rita Monteiro, Incharge ICCU & IR NSuite
Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator – FMMCH, for supervising every detail of the construction work within a fully functioning ICCU
A new chapter in FMCI’s patient-centred care
The commissioning of this suite represents a major advancement for the region, strengthening FMCI’s position as a leader in interventional radiology and reaffirming its commitment to delivering technology-driven, patient-centred healthcare.
Original source: in