35th AGBM of RUPCHA
RUPCHA organized its 35th AGBM during 11-12 September 2025, at the Ujala Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand. The two-day conclave, under the theme “Quality Health Care”, brought together Catholic healthcare professionals, clergy, and administrators to explore strategies for enhancing healthcare delivery in the region.
The conclave began with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Rev. Bp. Bhaskar Jesuraj, Bishop of Meerut Diocese and Ecclesiastical Advisor to RUPCHA. Fr. J John Britto Xavier, Director of RUPCHA delivered a concise introduction of the occasion. Following the Eucharistic celebration, the participants convened in the conference hall and Fr. John Britto generally welcomed all the participants to the inaugural session of AGBM.
The inaugural session of the meeting commenced with a prayer led by Fr. Isidore D’Souza, Vice President. Rev. Sr. Dr. Preeti Margaret BS, Secretary extended a hearty welcome to our Chief Guest His Excellency Most. Rev. Bhaskar Jesuraj, Bishop of Meerut Diocese and Ecclesiastical Advisor to RUPCHA; our Guest of Honour His Excellency Most. Rev. Vincent Nellaiparambil, Bishop of Bijnor Diocese as well as other esteemed guests including Rev. Fr. Santhosh Dias, National Secretary, CBCI office for Healthcare, Rev. Fr. Pius, Director of St. Mary’s Hospital, Najibabad, the Governing board members, Rev. Fr. J John Britto Xavier, Director of RUPCHA to the dais and also welcomed all the delegates of RUPCHA family, 56 of them from different institutions to the conclave.
Most. Rev. Bhaskar Jesuraj, formally opened the meeting by lighting the ceremonial lamp, followed by Most. Rev. Vincent Nellaiparambil and other dignitaries.
In her keynote address, Sr. Reshma UMI, President, RUPCHA emphasized that “Quality Healthcare is not an option; it is a responsibility.” She urged doctors and nurses of our institutions to foster a culture of excellence in healthcare delivery. In a world where patients are more aware, communities are more demanding, and systems are becoming more complex, we cannot be content with just providing care, we must look for quality care.
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”.
The Chief Guest Bishop Bhaskar Jesuraj emphasized 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, in honour of Sr. Dr. Alphonsa SH who was a former president of RUPCHA and who lived her life selflessly in serving the least and last of the society till her last breath. Her contribution to RUPCHA family and to the society is noteworthy. The recipient of the award for professional excellence in community health and healing service to the humanity for the year 2025 was Fr. Dr. Jose Padayatty CMI of St. Mary’s Hospital, Najibabad, for his decades-long commitment to serving the poor. He was honoured by the award, receiving a memento from His excellency Bhaskar Jesuraj, shawl from His Excellency Vincent Nellaiparambil & cash prize from Rev. Sr. Reshma. In his acceptance speech, Fr. Dr. Jose stressed the importance of strengthening rural healthcare through preventive and institutional measures.
Bishop Bhaskar of Meerut and Bishop Vincent of Bijnor jointly released the RUPCHA Annual Report 2024–2025 by giving copies to other dignitaries.
In the afternoon session, Fr. Santhosh Dias highlighted the urgent need for accessible and quality healthcare. He explained the theological foundation of healthcare, its apostolic nature and its distinction from profession.
Following his address, the team from the CHAI, Dr. Kanupriya & Mr. Vipin Joseph and Ms. Roopali, conducted a hands-on training session on the CommCare mobile app for member institution mapping and service data collection initiative using the digital CommCare platform.
After the session we had an outreach program visiting Premdham Ashram, a symbol of love and compassion, supporting 218 orphaned individuals with disabilities, terminally ill and the destitute by providing care, rehabilitation and reintegrating them to society.
The second day opened with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Most. Rev. Vincent Nellaiparambil who in his homily urged members to embrace self-awareness as a path towards offering holistic and compassionate care to the sick.
Rev. Fr. John Britto, Director gave an introduction to the business session. The session was presided over by the President, Sr Reshma UMI who welcomed all to the session. Sr. Preeti, Secretary presented the minutes of the 34th AGBM. Sr. Sini Kurian, Treasurer presented the financial statements of the last year and budget for the year 2025-26 and it was passed by the general body. Fr. John Britto, Director of RUPCHA, delivered a detailed activity report, highlighting the association’s initiatives and achievements over the past year.
The scientific session placed focus on healthcare quality standards. Dr. Anubha Agrawal of Subharti Medical College, Dehradun, and Faculty Trainer with the Quality Council of India (QCI), spoke on the significance of NABH certification and accreditation. She underlined how healthcare centres could meet national quality benchmarks to improve patient care. QCI representatives Mohd Salim and Ansh Singh also enriched the discussion with their insights.
Concluding the proceedings, Fr. Isidore D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to Fr. Sebastian, the Director of Ujala Pastoral Centre for hosting the meeting, Fr. Pius, Director of St. Mary’s Hospital for all arrangements and acknowledged Fr. Britto for his careful planning and organising skills.
The Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh Catholic Health Association (RUPCHA) concluded its 35th Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM) on 12 September 2025, with a collective pledge by participants to make quality healthcare the defining mark of their ministry, reinforcing RUPCHA’s ongoing mission of service and excellence.