Catholic Healthcare Leaders From Across India Meet at National Conference in Bangalore

Bangalore, March 17, 2025 – Catholic healthcare leaders from across India gathered for the National Conference of Regional, Diocesan, and Religious Congregations Healthcare Office Secretaries and Coordinators on March 12-13, 2025, at the Pope Paul Auditorium in Bangalore. Organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Offices for Healthcare in collaboration with SDFI, CHAI, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, CNGI, and CMHM of India, the event focused on revitalising the Church’s healing mission in alignment with the Jubilee Year 2025. Organised under the theme "Vitalising the Healing Mission of Jesus," the conference brought together 175 participants to discuss the future of Catholic healthcare in India.

Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore and Vice President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), inaugurated the event, while Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, Chairman of the CBCI Offices for Healthcare, presided over the sessions. In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Santhosh Dias, National Secretary for CBCI Office for Healthcare, emphasised the Church’s commitment to holistic healing and sustainable healthcare.

Key sessions during the two days of the conference addressed critical topics, including transitioning from charity-based healthcare to sustainable models, strengthening leadership in Catholic healthcare institutions, and implementing structured development plans to enhance operational and clinical efficiency. Discussions also covered regional and diocesan strategic planning to address local health challenges, leveraging resources from institutions like St. John’s National Academy, and the role of advocacy in shaping the public image of Catholic healthcare in India.

Speakers and panellists underscored the importance of mental health ministry, medical social work in patient care, and compassionate accompaniment for the sick. A case study on Caritas Hospital’s transformation journey offered valuable insights into leadership and institutional growth.

The conference also honoured the contributions of Catholic healthcare professionals, particularly the Sister Doctors Forum of India (SDFI) and the Catholic Nurses Guild of India (CNGI). The final session of the conference urged attendees to actively engage with the Christian Coalition for Health to improve healthcare outcomes in India.

Distinguished guests who were present for the conference included Most Rev. Joseph Arumachadath (Karnataka Regional Healthcare Office), Most Rev. George Rajendra (Tamil Nadu Regional Healthcare Office), Fr. Mathew Koyickal (Deputy Secretary General of CBCI, Delhi), Fr. Mathew Abraham (Director General of CHAI), Sr. Dr. Blanch (National President of SDFI), Rev. Fr. Shinto Mathew (National President of CMHM), Sr. Sarla Macwan (National President of CNGI), and Dr. Abhijeet Sangma (Executive Director of the Christian Coalition for Health, Delhi).

The conference successfully fostered collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning to strengthen Catholic healthcare in India. By addressing challenges, exploring opportunities, and charting pathways for growth, the event reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering commitment to compassionate and sustainable healthcare for all.

By Catholic Connect Reporter