Manipal, June 23, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, inaugurated the Therapy Block at the Manipal Hospice and Respite Center (MHRC), Manipal, on Tuesday.

Mr Harinarayan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Manipal Foundation, inaugurated the Therapy Block in the presence of Dr Lyndsey Anne Nickels, Director, International PhD Programme - IDEALAB, Macquarie University, Australia, and International Faculty, Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), who attended as the Guest of Honour. Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, presided over the programme.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the leadership team of MAHE, including Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor; Major General (Dr) Mathews Jacob, VSM (Retd.), Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences; Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor, Technology & Science; Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar; Dr Seema Rajesh Rao, Director and Consultant in Palliative Medicine, MHRC; Dr Arun Maiya, Dean, Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), Manipal, Dr Naveen Salins, Professor and Head of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, and Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, Chief Operating Officer of Kasturba Hospital along with faculty members, healthcare professionals, staff, and invited guests.

The newly established Therapy Block reflects MHRC’s commitment to providing comprehensive rehabilitation and supportive care services to patients admitted to MHRC through specialised physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. These interventions are designed to help patients maintain functional independence, manage symptoms more effectively, enhance communication, and improve their overall quality of life. The Therapy Block aims to provide state-of-the-art evidence-based rehabilitation within the hospice setting and serve as a specialised training center for hospice and palliative care. 

Manipal Foundation has generously supported the procurement of specialised therapy equipment, while Siemens Healthineers, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, has contributed towards the development of the Therapy Block.

Presiding over the event, Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, commended the collaborative efforts of Manipal Foundation, Siemens Healthineers, and the MHRC team in establishing a dedicated therapy facility that integrates rehabilitation with palliative care. He noted that the Therapy Block reflects MAHE’s enduring commitment to excellence in patient-centred healthcare and innovation in clinical services.