OCHA Renews Commitment to Healthcare Mission at 41st Annual Meeting

RAYAGADA, September 7, 2026: A renewed commitment to protecting life, promoting human dignity and bringing hope to those in need marked the 41st Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM) of the Orissa Catholic Health Association (OCHA), held on August 24–25 at Queen of the Mission Cathedral, Rayagada.

Held under the theme, “Caring for Life, Upholding Dignity, Inspiring Hope,” the two-day gathering brought together members from dioceses and Catholic healthcare ministries across Odisha for prayer, reflection, fellowship and professional enrichment.

The meeting opened with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Bishop Aplinar Senapati, CM, of Rayagada, followed by the inaugural session and messages from Church and healthcare leaders.

Among those attending were Sr. Dr. Helen Mary A., SAB, Director-General of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI); Fr. Santosh Dias, National Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI); Sr. Retty Thakarappillil, SABS, Provincial of Rayagada; Fr. Ajay Pradhan, Director of SWAD, Rayagada; Fr. Abed Kumar Kura, parish priest of Queen of the Mission Cathedral; Prachi Priya Dalai, Deputy Collector of Rayagada; Sr. Shiji Jacob, Secretary of CHAI; and Sr. V. Martha, President of OCHA.

Two religious sisters were honoured for their contributions to healthcare. Sr. Jesflower was recognised for securing the top position in India in CHAI’s telemedicine services, while Sr. Vasudha, DSS, was honoured for conducting a delivery on a moving train under challenging circumstances.

The technical sessions addressed a range of healthcare and mission-related issues. Sr. Helen Mary spoke on gynaecological health, focusing particularly on breast, cervical and ovarian cancers.

Fr. Santosh Dias led a session on networking and project writing, stressing the importance of collaboration and effective project development in strengthening healthcare ministries.

Dr. Anish of Christian Hospital, Bissamcuttack, conducted a practical session on common skin diseases, while Dr. Vishnu of CDMU addressed the Rational Use of Medicines. Siresh Kumar Barik, RPO, OCHA, facilitated a session on telemedicine.

The business session included the presentation of reports and accounts and the election of members to the OCHA Board. A cultural programme featuring candidates, seminarians and sisters from Rayagada Diocese provided an opportunity for fellowship among the participants.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to the Church’s healing ministry. Sr. Mini Joseph, JMJ, proposed the vote of thanks, while Sr. V. Martha, SAB, formally brought the AGBM to a close.

The 41st AGBM reaffirmed OCHA’s commitment to integrating faith, professional healthcare and service in its mission of caring for life, upholding dignity and inspiring hope.

Reported by Sr. Anita Rose

Secretary, CHAI ORISSA