ASIA/INDIA - The Church's work in providing medical assistance, in over 5,000 structures, at the service of the poor

Thursday, 26 March 2009

AFGHANISTAN

2024-02-07
Manipur, torn by conflict, tries to reconnect the threads of dialogue

2023-12-04
The Franciscan Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Jinan celebrates the 60th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium, to continue walking on the paths opened by the Second Vatican Council

2023-10-16
Prayer for the reconciliation of the peoples of Israel and Palestine

2022-02-24
Integrating refugees into society: the commitment of the Pro Bambini Association of Kabul

2021-12-18
The Barnabites, with their hearts in Kabul: "Pray for Afghanistan"

2021-12-17
Serious food crisis: 23 million people in need

New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – The medical assistance offered by the Catholic Church in India reveals her strong commitment to serving mankind, especially the poor and marginalized. This is what Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, said during a conference with the Commission that is preparing to open a new medical school and Catholic hospital in Ranchi, in the state of Jharkhand. The creation of the new school was a decision made by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India in their most recent assembly, with the goal of reinforcing the Catholic commitment in the area of formation and medical assistance in North India.
The Cardinal mentioned that there are already 5,525 Catholic healthcare structures in India, all dedicated to caring for the poor and marginalized of society. Before an audience of over 50 medical doctors, professors, and experts, Cardinal Toppo praised Catholic presence in the healthcare field, recalling that “The Catholic Church, he noted, is the single largest healthcare provider in the private sector in the country, and it is second only to the Government of India in promoting health and providing care.”
“The Church follows the example and mandate of Jesus, who `went about doing good’, and who inspired his followers, `to go, teach, and heal,'” the Archbishop said.
Dr. Aggarwal, the director and chief executive officer of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, commented: “Even with the `welfare model’ of healthcare, in a state like Jharkhand it is a challenge to make medical care available to people, when 54 % of the population are living below poverty line. There is an acute shortage of doctors and nurses in this part of the country. The Church can definitely make a positive change in the deplorable situation in the health of the people.”
“There is a great expectation and enthusiasm among the people about this much needed healthcare initiative of the Church in the tribal heartland,” added Fr. Alex Vadakumthala, the project director of CBCI Society for Medical Education. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2009)