Annual Meet of RUPCHA Commences in Bijnor, U.P

Bijnor, U.P., Sept. 11, 2025 —The Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh Catholic Health Association of India (RUPCHA) inaugurated its 35th Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM) on Thursday at the Ujala Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. The two-day conclave, which is being held under the theme “Quality Health Care”, has brought together Catholic healthcare professionals, clergy, and administrators to explore strategies for enhancing healthcare delivery in the region.

The inaugural session of the meeting commenced with a prayer led by Fr. Isidore D’Souza, Vice President of RUPCHA, followed by a welcome address from the Secretary of RUPCHA, Rev. Sr. Dr. Preeti Margarette BS. Dignitaries formally opened the meeting by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

In her keynote address, RUPCHA President Sr. Reshma UMI emphasised that “Quality is not an option; it is a responsibility.” She urged doctors and nurses present at the function to foster a culture of excellence in healthcare delivery, inspired by Galatians 6:9.

Bishop Vincent Nellaiparambil of Bijnor, who was the guest of honour for the function, warmly welcomed all participants to the region and described them as “ministers of Christ’s healing love”.

Chief Guest Bishop Bhaskar Jesuraj of Meerut, who also serves as the Ecclesiastical Adviser to RUPCHA, emphasised the importance of compassion, transparency, and affordability in healthcare. His message echoed the call he had made during the Holy Mass held before the inaugural function, urging everyone to “put on kindness and love in our healthcare ministry”.

A special moment of the day was the conferral of the first Sr. Dr. Alphonsa SH Memorial Award on Fr. Dr. Jose Padayatty CMI of St. Mary’s Hospital, Najibabad, for his decades-long commitment to serving the poor. In his acceptance speech, Fr. Dr. Jose stressed the importance of strengthening rural healthcare through preventive and institutional measures.

Bishop Vincent of Bijnor and Bishop Bhaskar of Meerut jointly released the RUPCHA Annual Report 2024–2025, after which Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kollithanam delivered the vote of thanks.

In the afternoon session, Fr. Santhosh Dias, Secretary of the CBCI Health Commission, highlighted the urgent need for accessible and quality healthcare. Following his address, the team from the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) conducted a hands-on training session on the CommCare mobile app. 

The meeting will continue on September 12 with statutory presentations, board elections, and scientific sessions on NABH standards led by the Quality Council of India (QCI) team.

By Fr Isidore