Pratyasha marks beginning of CHAI’s palliative care centres

In its efforts towards uplifting palliative care, the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) opened its first functional holistic palliative care centre, ‘Pratyasha’ in Medchal.

Raymond Peter, Special Chief Secretary Planning and Land acquisition, Rev. Prakash Mallavarapu (Arch Bishop of Vishakhapatnam) and ecclesiastical advisor to CHAI presided over the function along with Dr Gayatri Palat, Director, MNJ and RCC Hyderabad, Sr Deena, Resident of CHAI, Rev. Dr Mathew Abraham and Rev. Dr Tomi Thomas were also present at the event.

In his welcome address, Rev. Dr Tomi Thomas said that CHAI will strive to create around 300 Palliative Care Centres in the next three years.

The Arch Bishop spoke about the need for compassion to be shown to people suffering from terminal diseases and “Pratyasha” makes the beginning of Palliative care movement in the country.

Dr Gayatri spoke about the urgent need to focus on developing Palliative care in the country. “It is sad to say that compared to other countries, India lacks behind in giving compassionate care to terminally ill people.

CHAI has taken a great step forward in starting this centre. It can go a long way in allaying the pain suffered from terminal illness.”