THE HISTORIC LANDMARK - GOVERNMENT WENLOCK HOSPITAL

     I do not think there is anyone who has some knowledge of Mangalore who does not know Government Wenlock Hospital. Standing majestically at the very heart of the city it  has been a witness to the evolution of medical treatment and later medical education in Mangalore. It started in 1848 by the East India Company  on the request of the public of Mangalore. in a small old building near the present location of Lady Goschen Hospital. In 1861, people decided to collect money  and run their own hospital themselves because they liked it very much! Many illustrious doctors served here. Sir Ronald Ross, who was awarded the Nobel prize for his historic work in proving the role of mosqitos in the transmission of Malaria  worked here in the late 18 hundreds. Lt. Col Charles  Donovan served as the DMO of the hospital from 1895 - 1897. He became famous for his discovery of the causative organism (Donovan bodies)of then dreaded disease Kala Azar. In 1871, the city administration took over the hospital. In 1919 Madras Presidency took over the hspiatal. This was relocated in the new building at the current location. The foundation stone was laid by Lord Wenlock who was then the Governor of Madras province. The hospital was later named after him.
     The further devolopments naturally followed. Janghan, a trader from Hong Kong donated Rs. 500 for starting the operation theatres in 1903. In 1938, Kudpi Bhujanga Rao of Bombay donated the first ambulance to the hospital fulfilling the long felt need of the public. 1920 s and 30 s saw rapid strides of devolopment with additon of new wards and amalgamation of the Police hospital. In  1955, Kasturba Medical College got formal attachment to this hospital for training the medical students - an unique landmark public private partnership in the post independent era due to the visionary Dr. TMA Pai. The public of Mangalore and neighbouring districts and states immensely benefitted from this. Expert doctors were (and still are ) availabe for consultation for the common man free. What followed was truly the golden era of the Wenlock Hospital. The first heart surgery in the Karnataka State in the Government sector took place here on 13 February 1975 by Dr. SR Ullal.  People of Mangalore thtronged the place for the best services - I remember my own mother getting successfully operated there in 1964  for a complex kidney problem! The hospital has been greatly helped and supported by private organisations like Mangalore Medical Releif society(ICU, Cardiac ward); Lions Clubs((Artificial Limbs centr, Paediatric ward, Renal Dialysis ward, Burns ward, Neonatal ward); Rotary Club (Physiotheray); Infosys(RAPCC - Speciality Paediatric Hospital). Innumerable personal beneficiaries and small organizations including youth clubs have supported various projects from time to time.
Currently the hospital caters to 7 districts from 3 states. Latest statistics include a bed strength of 705.In 2013,  7051 in patients and 85730 outpatients were treated ; 3659 Dialysis sessios were conducted;  5393 Major and 1734 Minor surgeries including 999 cataract surgeries took place.  A selfless, dedicated team of doctors, nurses, parasmedical and support staff serve there in close coordination and harmony with an efficient team of government doctors and the other government staff. The interest taken by the KMC is reflected in the prompt service and the efficient role of the government is visble in the clean and efficient administration headed by the district surgeon ably supported by her team.
     Remember, Wenlock Hospital is your hospital. At least visit it once. You will be overwhelmed. Donate something if you feel like helping the poor public. If not at least get awed by the great  monument that has stood the test of time and is still working efficiently! If you let me know in advance, you can meet me and my effiicient and compassioate team of doctors there!