CHAI calls on members to continue healing ministry

November 26, 2012 - The Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) has called on its members to carry on their services in the health care sector despite challenges faced by them. Around 1000 people, including priests, nuns and laity took part in the 69th annual general body meeting of the CHAI held in Kochi, Kerala, Nov. 22-23. The meeting also marked the golden jubilee celebration of Catholic Health Association of India- Kerala Regional Unit (CHAKE). Fr. Tomi Thomas, Director-General of CHAI called on members to have the courage for introspection and take up the unbeaten paths with change and innovations. The jubilee celebration was inaugurated by Kerala state Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The minister advocated the partnership of health care sector with the private sector. Noting tremendous improvement and change brought about in education, he also urged the same in the health care sector. Fr. Jacob Manathodth, chairperson of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s (KCBC) commission for health, urged CHAI members to recommit themselves to the service of the poor and the needy. With a vast network of over 3,300 Member Institutions (MIs) including 484 large hospitals, more than 2000 medium as well as small hospitals and health centres, 121diocesan social service societies, 27 Nursing schools and 52 Leprosy centers, CHAI is one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It impressive manpower of 600 sister-doctors, 25,000 sister-nurses and over 10,000 para-professionals effectively bring aid and support to the needy and the poor of mostly rural India.