On 1st June 2020 this great Medical Institution was reoriented for a better future creating a new unit – Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS).  This re-oriented entity was created out of a 'rib' from Father Muller Medical College as per guidelines of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru. This bright new star on a shining horizon foresees a brighter future here visualized for the Allied Health Sciences (AHS) College.

Allied health sciences /professions:

The world wide attack of “Corona Virus” (COVID-19), has been making rapid and unforeseen revolutionary change in the medical field. It has jolted the medical world and experts are convinced that apart from producing specialist doctors, Allied Health Sciences (AHS) plays a highly contributory role in the Health Care Sector now and the future will underline the vitality to bring it to unprecedented prominence. The fact that allied health sciences are the backbone of the health care segment is proved and is foreseen as most indispensable and will be a stand alone speciality. The students who take up this speciality will enjoy exclusive rapid advancement and gains in the healthcare arena of the future. So, once again this miraculous institution in coastal Karnataka is performing another miracle for the sick and suffering, reaching out hugely to wide sections of sick suffering people.

Allied Health professions, as seen in AHS, include a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services in connection with health care.  Defined generally as - Allied Health Professions, a distinct group of health professionals who apply their expertise preventing disease transmission and diagnose, treat and rehabilitate people of all ages, though all specialties. In tandem with a range of technical and support staff they may deliver direct patient care, rehabilitation, treatment, diagnostics and health improvement interventions to restore and maintain optimal physical, sensory, psychological, cognitive and social functions.

Most allied health professions are specialized, must adhere to national training and education standards and scope. Often they must prove their skills through degrees, diplomas, certified credentials, and continuing education. Allied health jobs are considered career ladder jobs because of the opportunities for advancement within specific fields.

Allied health professions are inclusive of the use of many skills. Depending on the profession, these may include basic life support; medical terminology, acronyms and spelling; basics of medical law and ethics; understanding of human relations; interpersonal communication skills; counselling skills; computer literacy; ability to document healthcare information; interviewing skills; and proficiency in word processing; database management and electronic dictation and whole lot more.

Specialized professional development:

The explosion of practical scientific knowledge at the end of  the 20th century, brought increasingly sophisticated and complex medical diagnostic and treatment procedures. Specialized public demand for medical services combined with higher health care costs provoked a trend toward expansion of service delivery from treating patients in hospitals to widespread provision of care in medical and community-based care. In the developing world, international development assistance led to numerous initiatives for strengthening health workforce capacity to deliver essential health care services. What followed has been an increase in the need for skilled health care delivery personnel worldwide.

Changes in the health industry and emphasis on cost-efficient solutions to health care delivery will continue to encourage expansion of the allied health workforce. The World Health Organization estimates there is currently a worldwide shortage of about 2 million allied health professionals (considering all health workers aside from medical and nursing personnel) needed in order to meet global health goals.  Currently the COVID-19 pandemic has created new increased demands.

In recognition of the growth of the number and diversity of allied health professionals in recent years, the 2008 version of the International Standard Classification of Occupations increased the number of groups dedicated to allied health professions. Depending on the presumed skill level, they may either be identified as "health professionals" or "health associate professionals". For example, new categories have been created for delineating "paramedical practitioners"—grouping professions such as clinical officers, clinical associates, physician assistants, Feldshers, and assistant medical officers—as well as for community health workers; dieticians and nutritionists; audiologists and speech therapists; and others.

The Peripheries :

Father Muller Institutions since inception have been bright beacons of hope for many, the sick and even job seekers in the region. Challenges have been overcome and opportunities appeared.  It has provided care from birth to death with dignity and compassion to many as per desire.  Amid huge competition it still upholds faith, hope and compassion.  Now with the raging coronavirus the world over it holds a promise to thousands everywhere.

The dedication through 140 years, as the center of Christian service and compassion at Father Muller Medical College and Hospital is divine inspiration. The mission and vision of this teaching hospital are held valid the world over.   It has now branched out into many modern medical and allied health institutions but firmly rooted in the mission of healing with holistic care, better caring and charity, in a full fledged top notch professional backdrop.

My heartiest wishes to the Dean of AHS - Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza to take the College to greater heights. So also best wishes to all the Faculty, expecting you all, to be the best educators to mentor the young students to be top class “Health Associate Professionals”.

To all our students, remember that you are on the right path, go forward and achieve your goal to be a professional par excellence in the health care.

Wishing you the best in your journey at Father Mullers.

May God bless you.

Rev.Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho
DIRECTOR