Administrator - Rev. Sr. Leela
A brief History
A tiny seed that sprouted in the year 1937 has grown into a sturdy tree spreading its branches giving shade and protection to the ailing multitude in and around Calicut. A great Italian Jesuit Missionary Fr. Edward Beretta S.J. began a small dispensary in August 1937. Another Italian Jesuit Missionary Fr. F.X. Rocca S.J. also took charge in this dispensary. Miss Rita Azzori another Italian Missionary co-ordinated the activities of attending to the needs of the poor sick people. Later two sisters belonging to the Sisters of Charity joined to take care of the functioning of the dispensary.

The dispensary rendered remarkable services during the World War II. Fr. F.X. Rocca S.J. put up new buildings with the help of benefactors and saved many lives during the Cholera outbreak in 1943. The dispensary also extended its services to areas where diseases like Malaria and Filariasis was rampant. This small dispensary was converted to a 25-bedded hospital in 1947.
                 
The hospital charted remarkable growth between the periods 1952 – 1964. the hospital developed under the services of the renowned Italian surgeon Dr. Fasana. The Sisters of Charity took over the Nursing Services during this period. Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Vegottini, who was the Director from 1953 – 1964, the dispensary grew into a 70-bedded hospital. An operation theatre, doctors residence and X ray department was also set up during this time.

In 1964, the then Bishop of Calicut, Rt. Rev. Dr. Aldo Maria Pathroni S.J., handed over the administration of the hospital to the Urusline Sisters of Mary Immaculate. Rev. Mother Stefania Murellai accepted the Bishop’s offer. The hospitral grew and flourished under the able administration of Rev. Mother Alosia Vas (the first administrator) along with Sr. Camilla (the first nursing superintendent), late Sr. Celine and Sr. Beatrice. They offered themselves wholeheartedly to the services of the sick. Their unwavering faith in the Divine Providence, deep humility and enduring courage saw them through the difficult years.

Under the tireless and able leadership of Sr. Dr. Giovanna Alberoni, who took charge as Medical Superintend and Administrator in 1966, the hospital expanded to cater to the needs of the number of sick people. The present maternity block, St. John’s Block, School of Nursing, Nurses Hostel and Intensive Care Unit stand witness to her daring courage and foresight.
 
Gradually over the years the hospital grew and expanded and reached the bed strength of 250 in year 1975 with additional training and educational facilities through nursing school in 1969 and Medical laboratory technology course in 1976.

“A Healing Mission with a Human Touch”
In our medical care service special attention is given to the poor and marginalized sections of the society irrespective of caste, creed and religion. We make sure that no patient is sent unattended because of financial constraints.

Another uniqueness of our service is that we aim at rendering quality medical care coupled with a holistic approach in order to bring total healing and wholeness of health to our patients. To ensure the latter, our Pastoral Care Dept. functions in full swing attending to the spiritual, psychological and emotional needs of the patients


It is a proud factor that Nirmala Hospital, which was just a small dispensary way back in 1937 has now become a 350 bedded Hi - Tech Multi super-speciality hospital, completing 68 years of exemplary services to the people of Malabar. Our motto remains “A Healing Mission with a Human Touch” and we strive hard to combine the commitment of “SLOAN” with the tradition of “MAYO” and the dedication of “HAMMERSMITH”