Can Better Healthcare Coordination Strengthen the Church’s Healing Mission?

The Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Conference (TCBC) Commission for Health conducted a regional training programme for Diocesan Health Commission Secretaries from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at Jeevasudha Pastoral Centre in Kurnool on September 13, 2026. Around 25 participants attended the programme, which focused on strengthening the Church’s healthcare mission through improved coordination, networking and pastoral planning. The training addressed the responsibilities of diocesan health commission secretaries, healthcare networking, data collection, mental-health awareness and safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults. Participants were also encouraged to strengthen cooperation between diocesan, regional and national healthcare networks. Bishop Johannes Gorantla of Kurnool spoke about the purpose of the gathering and highlighted the importance of activating diocesan commissions in line with pastoral priorities. He referred to the 2025 Synod and upcoming pastoral reforms, while stressing the need for family units, parish pastoral councils and parish finance committees. He also encouraged commissions to prepare annual and three-year strategic plans. The Health Commission outlined several initiatives, including recurring medical services, health cards, medical camps, awareness programmes and stronger institutional collaborations. The training also emphasised the importance of maintaining communication with national and regional bodies, including the CBCI, CCBI and Telugu Catholic Bishops’ bodies. Diocesan health commissions were encouraged to create inclusive teams involving religious members and qualified lay professionals, organise activities at diocesan, deanery and parish levels, participate in relevant meetings and workshops, and regularly review their programmes. Another major focus was improving coordination among doctors, nurses, medical officers and religious sisters involved in the Church’s healthcare mission. The proposed framework includes developing a registry of healthcare professionals, organising medical camps and health-awareness programmes, promoting Christ’s healing ministry and strengthening partnerships with healthcare institutions and volunteers. Fr. Ivan Santosh, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Health, explained the wider Catholic healthcare network connecting the CCBI, 14 regional offices and 174 dioceses. He also explained the role of the CBCI Office for Healthcare based at St John’s, Bengaluru. The programme highlighted the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), which was founded in 1943 and has around 3,000 member institutions. CHAI supports training, capacity building and project development and facilitates engagement with government and donor agencies. Diocesan Health Commission Secretaries were encouraged to map healthcare institutions in their respective dioceses and strengthen connections with CHAI and CHAAPT. The mapping will include hospitals, primary healthcare centres, support services and complementary-care institutions such as homeopathy and naturopathy. The training also promoted a holistic approach to Catholic healthcare, including support for people experiencing grief, trauma and mental-health challenges. Participants discussed how mental-health awareness could be integrated into parish, youth, school, family and community programmes. The programme concluded by highlighting the role of diocesan health commission secretaries as coordinators and links between bishops, health commissions and local communities. The initiative seeks to strengthen the Church’s healthcare network and promote a more coordinated approach to its healing and pastoral mission.