More than ten years ago Dr Prabhu Premkumar of CMC Vellore, during a senior post-graduate training fellowship in Adelaide, heard about the great benefits of a Vascular Hybrid Operating Theatre for carrying out advanced heart surgery. When he first suggested the project to raise funds for such a theatre in Vellore, FOV Australia hesitated to support it, thinking it was too high tech for use in India. But after further conversation with Dr Daryl Teague and heart surgeons in Adelaide he persisted with the idea. Gradually more support came for the project, both here in Australia and in Vellore. The COVID period intensified the need for such a theatre.
The project has now been realized and received a grand opening on November 29th 2025, on the day preceding the Council meeting. It was dedicated by Dr John Cherian Oomen, Vice-President of Council and Dr Daryl Teague, in the presence of Mrs Anuvinda Varkey, President of Council, and Dr Vikram Mathews, Director of the CMC.
FOV Australia made a total donation of $159,000 to the project, amounting to about 10% of its total cost. The advanced surgical theatre, now equipped with state-of-the-art imaging devices will enable surgical procedures which are minimally invasive and less traumatic for the patient. The use of the theatre will generate further funds that will help to pay off the project in the coming years.
FOV Australia wishes to thank its many donors, alumni and other supporters alike, for their generous financial and prayerful assistance that has made such a significant contribution to the success of this project. It fervently hopes that this facility will be a blessing to many patients and to their surgical carers for many years to come.
For further information on the project and its opening click on the attached document.
