In the 1950s, a wave of migration brought Keralites from Travancore and Tamilians from Sri Lanka to the Malabar region. This migration, which continued into the 1980s, transformed Wayanad into a flourishing area with cash crops like pepper, tea, coffee, and cardamom. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad, with its pristine beauty and rich history, is a verdant hill station surrounded by plantations, forests, and wildlife. At the time, the region had limited infrastructure, with few roads and no significant healthcare facilities. Residents relied on hospitals in Calicut, often reachable only by walking or using carts.
It was in this context, guided by the inspirational words of St. Chavara Kuriakose Elias – “Let there be no day in life in which you did no good to others”—that Late Rev. Fr. James Pallivathukal CMI purchased the 13-bed Bosco Hospital in Kalpetta, run by Dr. V. J. Sebastian and Dr. Tresa Sebastian. On March 1, 1973, the hospital was reopened as “Fatima Mata Mission Hospital” under the supervision of the Lakkidi Ashram Superior, with Fr. Pallivathukal as its Director.
By July 1973, the hospital had enlisted the services of Sisters from the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (Mananthavady Province). In 1974, with the support of Kalpetta residents, a new area near Pinangode Road was purchased, mediated by Mr. Abraham Pattani. On October 3, 1974, the hospital launched new services, including an ambulance, casualty services, an operation theatre, a pharmacy, a medical laboratory, an X-ray unit, outpatient care, general wards, and private rooms, increasing its capacity to 50 beds. Shortly thereafter, a gynecology department was established. By 1977, the hospital had expanded to a 75-bed facility.
In 1993, new services were added, including dental care, pediatrics, ENT, orthopedics, dermatology, an Intensive Care Unit, and an Emergency Unit. The hospital grew to a 200-bed facility, becoming the only referral center in Wayanad. Under Rev. Fr. Thomas Panthaplackal CMI, plans for expanding patient care through an IP Block were initiated, and later, Rev. Fr. George Ezhanikkatt CMI made notable contributions to the hospital’s growth.
Fatima Mata School of Nursing, the first in Wayanad, began in 1998 under the guidance of Fr. Thomas Kuttiyani CMI and Fr. Joseph Mattam CMI. The school received recognition from the Kerala Nursing Council in 1994 and the Indian Nursing Council in 2001.
In 2009, Rev. Fr. Joseph Vayalil CMI, the then-Director of the hospital, established a dialysis unit in response to patients’ need for care closer than Calicut. With two machines running 24/7, the unit now operates eight machines in three shifts, handling over 500 dialysis sessions monthly. In 2013, a CT scan facility was added to handle trauma cases.
As patient numbers grew, the Outpatient Department (OPD) needed restructuring. In 2016, under the leadership of Fr. Sunil M. Antony CMI, all OPD services were consolidated into a more accessible location. In October 2017, Fatima Mata Mission Hospital became the first cornea collection center in Wayanad, in partnership with the HOPE project.
The later developments focused on establishing various specialty and super-specialty departments under the leadership of Director Rev. Dr. Sebastian Adichilath CMI and Administrator Rev. Fr. Jimmy Podoor CMI, starting in 2017. Rev. Fr. Jithin Kuroor CMI joined the team in 2023. This period marked significant growth for the hospital, driven by the introduction of various schemes and services, and a redefined logo, vision and mission. With the collaboration of specialized doctors, additional services in pulmonology, neurology, gastroenterology, urology, and cardiology (including a cath lab facility) were introduced. This progress culminated in the celebration of the hospital’s golden jubilee in 2023.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations were planned by the Core and Executive Committees, with a focus on organizing medical camps in various communities. The inaugural ceremony took place in 2022 and the valedictory function in 2023, both major events held on the hospital campus. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by the Hon. Minister for Water Resources, Shri. Roshi Augustine, while the valedictory event was graced by Wayanad MP, Shri. Rahul Gandhi.
During this period, the Administration Wing was relocated to the CB Terrace area, consolidating departmental offices that were previously spread across various floors of the hospital. The St. Joseph’s Hall, which can accommodate 600 people, was integrated into the office section. This new facility was blessed and inaugurated in 2024.
Our journey continues with dreams to fulfill and many miles to go before we reach our destination…
