History of Fr L M Pinto Health Centre
Fr Louis Marcel Pinto, an enthusiastic and energetic missionary, who greatly believed in the dictum of ‘service to humanity as service to god’ was appointed as the parish priest of this church in the year 1927.
Late Fr L M Pinto
Baddyar, inhabited mainly by poor and illiterate people, lacked modern facilities. Except for agriculture, no other profession was viable. People suffered due to diseases, snake bites, and lack of nearby medical care. Even transport to Mangalore was beyond reach.
Fr L M Pinto, distressed by this suffering, invited his brother, Dr Peter Paul—a gold medalist and practitioner from Chennai—to serve in Baddyar. He convinced him to leave his well-paid job to serve the needy in this remote area.
Late Dr Peter Paul
Dr Peter Paul was deeply moved by the conditions in Baddyar. Together with Fr Pinto and their sisters, he served people selflessly. Their dedication drew patients from surrounding areas, regardless of caste or religion. Their medical mission continued until both brothers passed away in 1959.
After Their Demise
Post their deaths, medical services ceased for nearly two decades. In 1978, CODP took up development in Belthangady Taluk. During interactions, Baddyar locals demanded the revival of healthcare. With the support of then Parish Priest Rt Rev Jerald Lobo, the health centre received new life. The government granted 5.5 acres of land to develop a health facility.
Fr L M Pinto Health Centre
A health centre was established and named after Fr Pinto, offering essential infrastructure and medical wards. From 1983 to 1991, doctors from Fr Muller Hospital visited the centre occasionally.
In 1992, Bethany Sisters took over the administration and brought transformative change. By 1994, an agreement with CODP was signed to manage the hospital collaboratively.
Sr Hope and Community Outreach
Sr Hope, a healthcare administrator trained at St. John’s Medical College, brought expertise from Tamil Nadu and Kinnigoli. Between 1995–1997, she conducted awareness campaigns on hygiene, substance abuse, and preventive healthcare. She also trained village girls in midwifery and nursing. Over 180 girls have been trained, many now working across hospitals.
Modernization and Expansion
A new hospital block was built at a cost of ₹1.5 crores (₹60 lakhs as a loan), and named after Dr Peter Paul Pinto. The block offers modern facilities and helps poor patients by providing affordable or free treatment.
Baddyar’s people are mostly daily wage earners. This hospital acts as a lifeline for their health needs.
Impact and Growth
In 1987, the hospital served 3,755 patients. By 2010, it treated over 31,700 outpatients and 3,100 inpatients, plus 2,000 immunizations. This immense growth proves its relevance and impact.
Inauguration & Appeal
The new hospital block was inaugurated on January 28, 2011, by Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese.
CODP continues to serve the poor through this centre. They seek support from kind-hearted individuals to sustain their efforts. Contributions may be sent to:
- Account Number: 1809
- Bank: Indian Overseas Bank, Mangalore, Padavu Branch
- Contact: The Administrator, L.M. Pinto Hospital, Baddyar – 574127
