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Genesis of 20 Convents in Salem Province
SMMI CONVENT ARISIPALAYAM - (1998)
THE MISSION OF THE COMMUNITY :
- To provide integrated health care to the Poor.
- Foster holistic approach to health, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health care to all.
- To uplift the lower strata of the society especially women and children .
- To care for the spiritual needs of the patients in the hospital.
- To involve in the pastoral needs of the Parish / Prison Ministry.
ORIGIN OF THE COMMUNITY :
MEDICAL MINISTRY :
- Soon after the arrival of the pioneers (Mother Xavier Joseph, Sr.Marie Berth and Sr. Magdalene) in 1931 a small dispensary was opened.
- St.Mary’s Dispensary was established in 1936 where the Nursery and Primary English medium stands today. In 1947 maternity ward was built to serve the poor of the locality and later it was developed as hospital with all its medical facilities. It was one of the main ministry of our Lady’s Convent, Salem along with education ministry.
- Dr.Typhagne from France the first medical officer to the hospital was a great help to our sisters until 1960. Later she started to cater to leprosy patient who were coming to the hospital and also started mobile clinic and visited many villages with her team. Later on 23rd May 1967 a separate block was put up to treat the leprosy patients.
- In 1973 a hospital was constructed and blessed by Most.Rt.Rev.Selvanather,Bishop of Salem.
- The bifurcation from our Lady’s Convent, Arisipalayam took place on 03.12.1998. Thus SMMI convent Arisipalayam was born.
- The general Hospital with better facilities was built in the year 1973. There was an enormous growth in the years from 1985 – 1988. The hospital was well equipped with advanced techniques of medical care.
- Responding to the needs of the young girls, one year “Nursing Aid” course was started in our Hospital in 1999.
- On 20 Feb 2000 the inauguration of DTMC trust and releasing of a souvenir in honor of Dr.Typhagne was done by Dr.Soodamany Mayor of Salem. Rev.Dr.Sr.Francina is the Director of this trust. Through this trust people living with HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Leprosy are sheltered, treated and rehabilitated in Salem and Namakkal District.
- On 15th Aug 2001 the new building for the SMMI convent, Salem was blessed by Most.Rt.Rev.Singaroyan, Bishop of Salem.
SERVICE IN THE NOBLE CAUSE OF LEPROSY ERADICATION :
- On 23rd May 1962 a separate block was constructed to treat the leprosy patients by the generous support of friends of St.Damien foundation.
- St.Mary’s Leprosy Centre (SMLC) was started as a separate block with a vision and mission “Working towards Leprosy Free India”. The staff of this centre covered the districts of Salem, Krishnagiri, Namakkal and Erode.
- At present this centre extends its service to T.B and HIV / AIDS patients too. In 2001 a microscopy centered which functions in collaboration with the Government Programme were set up. This Leprosy hospital remains as a referral centre for such patients. The patients are always given comprehensive care. Now Dr.Sr.Francina, the Director of the DTMC trust is in charge of this programme.
ANIMATORS
| Sr.Sophie | 1998 - 2008 |
| Sr.Linda Roseline | 2008 - 2016 |
| Sr.Paschal Mary | 2016 - |
