CHAI puts Elderly Care at Centre of Five-year Health Ministry Roadmap

Bengaluru, October 1, 2026: The Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) has identified elderly care as a key priority for its health ministry, with around 160 delegates meeting in Bengaluru to discuss ways of expanding care for older persons beyond hospitals and institutions.

The discussions took place during CHAI’s Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM) at St John’s Medical College on September 24–25 under the theme “Shaping the Future of Elderly Care: A Shared Mission, A Continuing Journey.”

Church leaders, religious congregations, healthcare professionals, member institutions, experts and partners examined ways to strengthen home-based and palliative care, caregiver support, community outreach and referral systems.

CHAI Director General Sr Dr Helen Mary A. said the discussions were aimed at developing a shared direction for elderly care across the Catholic health network, with greater emphasis on compassionate, person-centred services closer to people’s homes and communities.

Panel discussions examined models of elderly care and caregiving in different settings. Eight initiatives from CHAI member institutions were presented through posters, showcasing community-based programmes, hospital-linked services and caregiver-support models designed to help older persons remain connected with their families and communities.

The meeting also contributed to the development of the CHAI Elderly Care Roadmap 2026–2031, which will focus on collaboration among member institutions, strengthening institutional and caregiver capacities, promoting effective models and improving access to person-centred care.

Participants were also introduced to CHAI’s digital profiling initiative for member institutions, intended to provide better data on the network’s reach, services and capacities and support evidence-based planning.

Representatives from the Vatican, St Vincent’s Health Australia and Samsung Healthcare shared perspectives on healthcare ministry, quality of care, technology, partnerships and innovation.

Adj. Prof. Patrick Garcia, Chief Legal and Partnerships Officer of St Vincent’s Health Australia, highlighted the role of CHAI institutions in reaching communities that face barriers to healthcare access. He said the meeting also provided opportunities for Australian and Indian healthcare organisations to exchange experience and explore further collaboration.

The AGBM saw member institutions identify areas for action and consider their contribution to a broader national network for elderly care, with CHAI reaffirming its focus on enabling older persons to live with dignity, care, companionship and hope.

By Catholic Connect Reporter