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Catholic Hospital Association of India (CHAI)

The meeting noted that various health insurance schemes available in India have not reached millions of people in the country

Around 650 health workers are attending the 68th annual general body meeting of the Catholic Hospital Association of India (CHAI) that began on October 5 at Nav Sadhana, Varanasi.

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.

Bishop Raphy Manjaly of Varanasi and Father Jose Subhash, superior general of the Indian Missionary Society, also attended the opening day’s programs.

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.

Rathnesh from the UNDP office in New Delhi introduced the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna.

The CHAI officials said they expect to launch the insurance scheme early next year.

Dr. Anthony R Iorio, Catholic Health Association of the United States of America, and Holy Spirit Sister Karuna, Organizer of the Socio-economic Concerns of the Conference of Religious India, stressed the need for extending healthcare to the poor.

Archbishop Concessao released the CHAI herbal calendar.

Shreya Bharati, a ninth grader from St. Paul’s School, Aizawl, Mizoram, received the prize for the best essay on “Treating Boys and Girls Alike.”

The meeting also felicitated St. Joseph Sister Shobhana, who received the best Nightingale Nurse award from the Indian president.