600 Indian Sisters working as doctors are "motor" of rural health services
The Secretary of the Health Commission of the Indian Bishops' Conference told AsiaNews of a scheme whereby around 600 religious work in Indian rural areas, which are not reached by government or private clinics.
Bangalore (AsiaNews) Religious Sisters graduating from St John's Medical University in Bangalore are the "motor of rural health services, a unique example of Christian charity", said Fr Alex Vadakumthala. The executive secretary of the Health Commission of the Indian Bishops' Conference (CBCI) told AsiaNews about a project in which 600 sisters from diverse congregations dedicate their life to treating the poor in Indian rural areas.
"The government and private enterprises do not open dispensaries or clinics in these areas which are not easily accessible and populated by the poorest residents of the country. To ensure that they have medical care, the CBCI created a medical university in 1963 to form people who are qualified and dedicated," he said.
"The Indian Church maintains 4,790 health structures across the country; 85% are found in rural areas. The motor of these structures are "doctor sisters" who graduate from St John's and their main field of work is the four states in the south: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
"Christians are a minority in India, around 2.5% of the population, but our contribution in the medical-health sector, as well as the educational field, is appreciated by the central government and by statal authorities. We see our best results in the medical sector because we work in places not reached by others."
Fr Vadakumthala said the aim of the university is training doctors with Catholic ethics. "Inter-faith problems do not worry us because our help is known, appreciated and respected by all. The dedication towards the poor and formation of these sisters is unique."
The formation was outlined for AsiaNews by the university rector, Fr Kallam, who said: "The course is five years long but all those enrolled are obliged to undertake placements in villages for two years. Out of all the students, the sisters choose to stay on, even when they are no longer obliged to do so.
"Sometimes other students leave but others also decide to dedicate their life to treating those who otherwise would not be able to afford such care."
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15/11/2005
