Bishop Hemachandra Kumar of the Church of South India (CSI) Karnataka Southern Diocese inaugurating a heat pump system to mark CSI Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital’s 103rd year of service, in Udupi on June 15.

| Photo Credit: UMESH S. SHETTIGAR

Church of South India (CSI) Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital in Udupi inaugurated three new facilities on its premises on June 15 to mark its 103rd year of healing, service and compassion.The new facilities — a heat pump system, an expanded 40 kW solar power system, and a comprehensive fire safety system — were inaugurated by Bishop Hemachandra Kumar of CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese. He lauded the hospital’s environmental initiatives and leadership under the INSPIRE project. He said, “Every project planned by hospital director Sushil Jathanna is unique and environment-friendly. The INSPIRE project is not just a name but an initiative that inspires others. The service provided by this hospital benefits people from Udupi and surrounding areas.”Dr. Jathanna said, “As our hospital building is old, fire safety has become increasingly important. We have been planning this fire safety project for the last two years, and today it has become a reality.”“The new solar panels will reduce our electricity bill by nearly ₹1.2 lakh per month. Earlier, 43% of our power requirement was met through solar energy, which has now increased to 58%. This initiative contributes to reducing carbon emissions. The heat pump system is energy-efficient, offers significant cost savings and generates minimal carbon emissions,” he said.Under the hospital’s Energy Efficiency Team and INSPIRE project, the additional 40 kW solar power facility has been installed on the rooftops of the microbiology department and the hospital’s auditorium. The fire safety system has been designed to enhance the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. The facility includes a fire reel system for immediate response to small fires, a fire hydrant system for firefighting in larger emergencies and a fire sprinkler system that helps control or extinguish fires during emergencies. The heat pump system will provide round-the-clock hot water supply for patient care. Published - June 16, 2026 07:04 pm IST