CHAI mulls health insurance scheme for poor

(October 06, 2011) Around 650 health workers are attending the 68th annual general body meeting of the Catholic Hospital Association of India (CHAI) that began on Wednesday at Nav Sadhana, Varanasi, North India. Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi, CHAI ecclesiastical advisor who led the opening Mass, reminded the gathering that the healing ministry helped people experience Christ’s presence. He also asserted that the Church exists to evangelize and professionals such as doctors and nurses have a powerful role in preaching the kingdom. The sick come and experience Jesus in and through us. For Jesus his word was his action. People who went to Jesus were healed,” the archbishop added. CHAI director Father Tomi Thomas, in his address, said they chose Varanasi as the venue because the ancient city reminded the need for inner healing. The meeting noted that various health insurance schemes available in India have not reached millions of people in the country. Therefore, CHAI is exploring ways to launch a people friendly insurance scheme. The CHAI officials said they expect to launch the insurance scheme early next year. The conference stressed the need for extending healthcare to the poor. The meeting also felicitated St. Joseph Sister Shobhana, who received the best Nightingale Nurse award from the Indian president.