Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 18: Karnataka Regional Health Commission in association with the health commission of Udupi diocese organised a seminar on the topic ‘Present Scenario - Challenges and Opportunities of the Catholic Health Care Mission' at the Conference Hall, Bishop's House here on Monday, July 17.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese said, "Food, clothing, shelter, education and health care facilities are the common and basic needs of all people at all times in the world. While the mission of the church towards evangelisation is a serious one, there cannot be proclamation of the 'Good News' of Jesus Christ unless the concrete actions of Christ that 'He went about doing good' is translated into action by the church also in the health care mission and ministry. This is one of the reasons why the church all over the world, while establishing its own presence among the people has also started schools and healthcare centres as a part of its evangelising mission."

"When Christians try to humanize medicine and the care of the sick by showing personal concern and closeness to the suffering, they become for everyone a powerful image of Jesus himself, the healer of bodies and souls. Among the instructions which he gave to his apostles, the Lord included an exhortation to heal the sick. The organisation and promotion of adequate pastoral care for health-care workers should thus be a priority. Health cannot be defined from a mere study of the body, we must consider the whole person in his human vocation and final destiny. True health is revealed in the self-actualization of the person who has attained that freedom which marshals all available energies for the fulfilment of his total human vocation," said the Bishop.

"The vision of the diocesan health commission is 'A happy society of people with good health' and the mission is 'Provision of holistic health care services to all, promotion and propagation of respect for life as good'. We have clear vision of keeping happy society with good health. Since four years, nearly 15,000 health cards have been distributed and Rs 3.8 crore was spent on it," he added.

Fr Santhosh Dias, regional secretary of health commission said, "In north Karnataka, health care centers do not have adequate facilities, equipments, doctors, nurses and para-medical staff. Christian health care centres are lagging in upgrading the infrastructure and technologies, due to financial problem. Christian hospitals are non-profitable health care centres. Thus, it is tough to compete with corporate level hospitals. They are gradually spreading their arms from big towns to rural areas."

"The Catholic Health Association of India Institutions serving with a bed capacity of around 50,000, treat over 21 million people a year irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social status. It has a network of over 30,000 full time volunteers for health care and social work professionals. The reputation, good will and access among the local people could also be considered as valuable resources. It is also important for us to identify the services of the skilled and experienced lay people with good will, for the sake of a larger impact," he added.

Richard Coelho, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, "The health care mission is undergoing many changes. There are a few challenges which we come across while diagnosing a patient like quality care and affordable cost, safety of the patients, rising cost of the medicines, and half knowledge about the diseases and treatment. It is a tough task to handle the unsatisfied. Families of patients want instant care."

Fr Mathew Perumpil, CBCI Secretary for Health Commission, New Delhi, delivered a lecture on ‘The Present Scenario of Health Care Ministry -  National Policy and CBCI Policy on Health: Challenges and Opportunities’.

Msgr Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, diocese of Udupi conveyed his wishes. Fr Lourdusamy, the coordinator of Karnataka Regional Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee (KRPPIC) also spoke on the occasion.

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo presented a paper on origin and implementation of Pastoral Plan 2025.

Fr Dr Lawrence D’Souza, director, CESU, and Alfanso D’Costa, secretary of Diocese Pastoral Council were present.

As many as 70 representatives and health coordinators from different deanery participated in the seminar session. An interaction session was organised for the audience to clarify queries.

Earlier, Leslie Lewis, MD, Paediatrics, KMC welcomed the gathering.

Fr Dennis D’Sa, secretary of the health commission compered the programme.