Fr Mathew P Abraham C.Ss.R., from the Bangalore Province, India has been appointed as the new Director General of The Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI). CHAI is today one of the largest not-for-profit Associations in the Health Care Sector in India, rendering affordable services to the marginalized in the medically underserved areas of India. CHAI has an expansive base of 3518 member institutions and treat over 21 million people in a year – 2263 Health Centres, 417 Secondary Care Hospitals, 183 Tertiary Care Hospitals, and 200 Social Service Societies. The CHAI network includes 5 Medical Colleges, 120 Nursing Schools & Colleges, more than 1000 sister-doctors, 25,000 sister-nurses and 10,000 para-professionals. Today, CHAI has a pan-India presence, with 11 Regional Units and implements about 30 projects, big and small, with an annual turnover of more than Rs 430 million.
While speaking about his appointment and the work in CHAI, he said, “We derive strength and confidence from every celebration and continue our journey with confidence and hope. We stand before Jesus the Divine Healer – our inspiration, with a sense of awe and wonder. We remember with gratitude and reverence all those who have been part of and have contributed to the growth of the Association for the last 73 years, in order to continue the healing mission of Jesus, this noble ministry, in the midst of all the challenges they undergo in their day-today life. May God continue to protect us, guide us and comfort us in our journey with those who are sick and suffering. Mary, the Mother of the afflicted, continue to pray for us!”
Fr. Sanjay Vincent, CSsR
