"Journey of Compassion: The Inspiring History of Pushpa Mission Hospital"
“Pushpa Mission Hospital stands as a sanctuary of care, blending compassion with advanced medical services. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in healthcare, it remains committed to serving all, especially the underserved, with dignity and dedication.”
The Journey "From 'Pushpa Dispensary' to 'Pushpa Mission Hospital and Maternity Home':
“Pushpa Mission Hospital is now a multidimensional specialty general hospital. However, behind this present reality lies a history of labor, sacrifice, and challenges. This history began with a vision to provide the best possible medical assistance and services to the poor and needy in the field of healthcare.
Located in the heart of the city, with minimal charges and the best medical facilities, care and compassion are the synonymous words used by patients and their families after recovering here at Pushpa Mission Hospital. The clear vision of this mission and its selfless service to humanity form the core foundation of the progressive image of today’s Pushpa Mission Hospital.”
The Beginning of the Present Day
August 15, 1969: The journey of today’s Pushpa Mission Hospital began in a small rented house on Dewas Road. It was named “Pushpa Dispensary,” blessed by the Most Reverend Bishop John Perumattam and inaugurated by Dr. Hamid, a renowned physician of the time, in the presence of government officials.
Key figures present at the event included Rev. Fr. John V. Plakeel, Rev. Fr. George Kuzhikandam, Rev. Fr. Francis Kandathil, Bro. Emmanuel Mattam, Sr. Maritta S.H., Sr. Pious F.C.C., Sr. Irene F.C.C., Sr. Sabiola S.A.B.S., and Sr. Berchmans S.A.B.S., who were the pioneering nuns serving the mission. Sisters from S.A.B.S. and F.C.C. congregations began joining the mission, initially residing in a small sacristy within the church premises, which was inadequate to accommodate the growing members. For a few months, they lived in a single room with a roofed shed in the Bishop’s House compound.
Bishop John Perumattam received an initial grant of ₹55,000 from Caritas India for this noble cause. Fr. John Plakeel and Fr. Paul Naickarakudy initiated lottery projects through churches, schools, and convents in Kerala, raising an additional ₹35,000 for the development of Pushpa Dispensary.
June 9, 1972: The sisters serving at the time were relocated from the Bishop’s House compound to rooms built for the future Pushpa Mission Hospital. S.H. Sisters were entrusted with administrative and staff responsibilities. The sisters themselves carried bricks and worked tirelessly day and night to complete the construction of the building.
Leadership of the Mission
November 1, 1974: The Most Reverend Bishop George Anathil of Indore (late) and the Most Reverend Bishop John Perumattam of the Ujjain Diocese blessed the Pushpa Hospital. Late Rev. Fr. John Plackeel was appointed as the hospital’s first Director. He was a prominent missionary in the Ujjain region who, with the support of others, transformed the small Pushpa Dispensary into a fully functional general hospital through immense struggle and dedication.
Dr. Sabir Hussain (Surgeon) and Dr. Mumtaz Ali (Physician) were appointed as the first doctors. Sr. Marietta was chosen to oversee the hospital’s operations, while Sr. Annie Celine, Sr. Sabeen, Sr. Eugine Maria, and Sr. Treesa Jose became the first staff members of this general hospital.
Official Inauguration of the Foundation
In December 1974, the “Pushpa Dispensary,” a sapling that had become synonymous with selfless care, affection, and service, was recognized by countless people as the “Pushpa Mission Hospital” it is known as today. The hospital was officially inaugurated by the then Honorable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Late Shri Prakash Chandra Sethi, with the event presided over by Shri Durga Das Suryavanshi (Deputy Minister, Revenue).
Infrastructure, Facilities, and Work System in the Initial Phase
1974: The initial structure included a men’s ward, a women’s ward, two consultation rooms for doctors, a room for the laboratory, a treatment room, a pharmacy room, an OPD and IPD area, and an accounts office. One room was used as a labor room and another as an operation theater. The front veranda served as the OPD registration counter and was also used for morning and evening prayers. On the first floor, there was a bedroom for the sisters, a kitchen, a dining room, and a small chapel for prayers. During the night, the doctor’s consultation room was used for admitting patients, who were then shifted to the veranda with additional bedding in the morning. There was no dedicated night-duty driver, so the fathers and sisters themselves often filled the role. To meet the unexpected demands of emergencies and critical medical care, Late Father Albert provided significant assistance
The Evolution of Today’s Pushpa Mission Hospital After 1975
1975: Dr. Mrs. Kher (the first gynecology specialist) served for one year. Dr. G.N. Sharma (M.S.), Sister Chesaria, Sister Bennet, and Sister Tessy Thomas also joined the staff.
1980: Dr. Jagdish Sanmukhani (Physician) and Dr. Mehta (the first ENT surgeon) became part of the team.
1977: Sister Sabeen was appointed as the hospital administrator.
1976: Dr. Anjana Bharti (Gynecology Specialist) joined the hospital.
1981: Dr. S.K. Jain (the first pediatric specialist) began his service.
1985 – November 1: The foundation stone for the operation theater and labor room was laid by our late Bishop, His Excellency Mar John Perumattam.
1986 – February 1: The newly constructed operation theater became fully functional.
1987 – June 7: The S.H. Sisters were relocated from the hospital to the newly constructed convent.
2002 Onwards
The foundation laid in the past now needed to be taken to even greater heights. Considering the changing times and evolving needs, the hospital required a new leader with fresh ideas, a clear vision, foresight, and a progressive work ethic. To fulfill this need, in 2002, Fr. Antony Pulickamandapam was appointed as the Director of Pushpa Mission Hospital. This marked the beginning of a phase where Pushpa Mission Hospital advanced rapidly on its path of progress.
Post-2002 Transformations
22 February 2003: The foundation stone for a new branch of the hospital was laid, with blessings from His Beatitude Varkey Cardinal Vidayathil, Bishop John Perumattam, and Bishop Sebastian Vadakel, marking the beginning of its progressive journey.
26 April 2004: The new OPD became fully operational. The OPD now includes a Radiology department equipped with modern technologies like digital X-rays, portable X-rays, and ultrasound scanning, all of which contribute to effective medical care. During this year, Sr. Philsy S.H. was appointed as the hospital’s pharmacist, ensuring organized medicine distribution with dedication and hard work.
7 December 2014: The blood bank was inaugurated, and Bishop Sebastian Vadakel gave it his blessing. The Pushpa Blood Center was officially opened by the Honorable Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Paras Jain, and was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ujjain. This day was celebrated as the hospital’s Ruby Jubilee, and to mark the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner of Ujjain, Shri Ravindra Pastor, released a commemorative souvenir.
20 December 2006: The blessing of the first floor (above the OPD) took place. This facility became instrumental in various medical fields, including neurological treatments, child care, breastfeeding, biomedical waste management, and other related sectors. Pushpa Hospital continued its enthusiastic efforts to manage and conduct treatments effectively.
19 March 2017: The blessing and inauguration of St. Joseph’s Pavilion was done by Mar Sebastian Vadakel.
11 February 2018: A ceremony for the blessing of the newly constructed NICU and ICU was held.
In 2018, the hospital faced a challenge when certain unauthorized elements attempted to illegally occupy the hospital’s land, despite it being under the ownership of the Diocese of Ujjain. This led to damage and disruptions. Currently, this case is pending in the High Court.
Pushpa Mission Hospital in 2022
Starting from a single room as “Pushpa Dispensary,” the journey to “Pushpa Mission Hospital and Maternity Home” has been one of struggle and progress. Countless individuals have worked with selfless intentions, striving to provide healthcare services to those in need. This effort continues with the same enthusiasm. Although it began with limited resources and facilities, it has now evolved into a symbol of immense progress, with never-ending milestones marking its ongoing journey.
Today’s Modern Pushpa Mission Hospital
- Casualty Department: A team of health specialists and support staff are available 24/7 to provide emergency care.
- Medical Care: Along with general medical services, the hospital offers cardiology, ECG, echocardiogram, and a fully equipped 12-bed ICU with modern technology, including 4 ventilators.
- Surgical Department: Provides consultation services by surgeons and performs elective, emergency, and general surgical procedures.
- Neonatology and Pediatrics: The NICU offers complete care for newborns, including double-surface phototherapy, incubators for preterm infants, neonatal hearing tests, radiant warmers, and the ability to treat 24 babies simultaneously with 2 ventilators. Additionally, there is a PICU for older children equipped with advanced facilities and a ventilator.
- Vaccination: Vaccinations are administered to children from newborns to 12 years, stored at controlled temperatures and supervised by doctors.
- Gynecology: Pushpa Mission Hospital has two fully equipped units for obstetric and gynecological care, addressing all pregnancy-related issues. On average, over 400 deliveries take place every month.
- Dental: Fully equipped department providing all types of dental care.
- Orthopedic: The orthopedic department, along with physiotherapists, forms a complete team for bone and joint care.
- Endoscopy, Colonoscopy: Investigations with modern machinery and camera equipment, offered at affordable rates.
- ENT: The ENT department provides general consultation as well as essential surgical procedures.
- Eye Department: High-tech eye surgeries are performed for various eye diseases and cataract treatments.
- Pharmacy: Provides medications every day of the week.
- Laboratory: A modern, computerized lab for specialized tests and procedures.
- Blood Bank: The hospital proudly runs the first NABH-accredited blood bank in Madhya Pradesh, sponsored by the Rotary Club.
- Nursing College: Offers academic degrees and technical training in nursing.
- Physiotherapy: This department offers treatments for various health conditions through specialized physiotherapy techniques.
- Neonatal Bathing: Babies are bathed every morning in this dedicated unit.
- Pastoral Care Service: Spiritual services are available to all, including prayers at the start of the day and evening prayers.
- OPD’s First Floor: Includes labor rooms, treatment rooms, NICU, PICU, pre-delivery ward, maternity home, and private rooms.
- Second Floor: Houses ICU, private rooms, and a surgical unit.
- Third Floor: Contains 9 operation theaters, a prayer room, and 25 deluxe private rooms.
- Other Facilities: Includes an oxygen plant, water purification plant, club foot center, solar plant, laundry, ambulance services, and an ATM.
2023: Pushpa Mission Hospital's Modernization
- Operation Theater: With modern technology and innovative treatment techniques, Pushpa Mission Hospital has introduced a newly renovated operation theater section to meet the needs of advanced surgical procedures. A total of 9 new operation theaters have been set up, including 4 modular operation theaters. All types of minor and major surgeries can be easily performed here using modern techniques.
- Laparoscopy Department: In line with the hospital’s commitment to providing the best possible outcomes and serving the public, the hospital has also launched the laparoscopic department, equipped with professional hands and a skilled team to ensure successful operations.
- Third Floor: Due to the growing demand for services and the hospital’s commitment to modern techniques and professional methodologies, the hospital has expanded its service area. The newly inaugurated third floor is fully operational and offers 25 deluxe rooms, providing enhanced comfort and modern amenities.
- Dialysis Department: With the goal of expanding expertise in specialized care, the hospital has recently opened a dialysis department to meet the needs of those suffering from blood-related diseases. This two-bed center offers the most affordable rates in the district, lower than those at any other private hospital.
- Nursing Hostel: To cater to the growing number of nursing staff and provide them with comfort and a homely environment, the hospital has renovated and expanded the nursing hostel. This ensures that the hospital’s staff is well-cared for.
- Urology Department: In keeping with the hospital’s standards of excellence, the urology department has been inaugurated, equipped with top-level doctors, modern technology, and the hospital’s ethos of caring for every patient with dedication.
- New Labor Room: As part of the hospital’s modernization efforts, the labor room has been enhanced to provide better services for expectant mothers, with improved facilities now available.
- Solar Energy: To run the hospital efficiently, solar energy is utilized. The hospital has installed a new solar power plant to harness energy from nature, contributing to its sustainability.
- Oxygen Plant: In response to current demand, the hospital has set up an oxygen plant on its premises, ensuring a continuous supply of oxygen for patients without any shortages.
- Neonatal Sun-Bath Area: During the cold season, it is crucial to provide heating for newborns. The hospital has set up a separate room on the ground floor for mothers and infants to provide the necessary warmth for newborn care.
A Short Glimpse of the Past
