TRAINING OF STAFF & HEALTH WORKERS OF MEMBER INSTITUTIONS

INTRODUCTION:

The project on “ Training of the staff and Health workers of member institutions was launched in the 15 dioceses of North East Region on the 1st of June 2010. In the first Phase of the Programme NECHA had undertaken 5 Dioceses namely Diphu, Dibrugarh, Kohima, Guwahati, an Shillong. The programme was implemented with the aim of developing the Knowledge and skills of the Staff and Health workers of Member Institutions, as to improve health care activities in the Health Centre.

Activities of the programme were the following:

1. BUILDING AWARENESS

Awareness on T.B., malaria, & HIV/ AIDS was organized in dioceses of Diphu, Dibrugarh, Kohima, Guwahati, and Shillong. Such awareness programmes were conducted in the remote areas where people are not aware of the Communicable and Vector borne Diseases. There were more than one thousand persons who participated in the programme. The rural people were happy to know the causes and the methods of prevention of illness.

2. SEMINARS FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS ON R.T.I

Two days Seminar on Right to Information was organized in Diphu, Dibrugarh, and Kohima, Guwahati, and Shillong dioceses. In the Programme the people were made aware of RTI, its power, and its uses. There were more than 500 persons who attended the Seminar .Most participants were unaware of this new bill. They expressed their happiness of knowing about this new bill.

3. FREE MEDICAL CAMPS

Two medical camps each were organized in Diphu, Dibrugarh, and Kohima, Guwahati, and Shillong dioceses. The common diseases found in the camps were malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery,fever, worm infestation, cold,cough and nutritional Imbalance. There were more than 1000 beneficiaries of the camp. Serious cases were referred to the local PHC while other patients were given free medicines

4. TRAINING PROGRAMME ON T.B.

Three days training programme was held at NECHA from 20th to 22nd Nov 2010. 30 health workers from 5 dioceses participated in the training. The course gave the participants better understanding of how a T.B patient can be identified, and guided to undergo sputum test in the PHC’S and undergo medication free of cost from the Government. The resource persons were, Dr. Girish Singh, National coordinator, CBCI CARD Delhi, Dr. P.K. Adhikari, coordinator CBCI CARD North East, and Dr.Palash Talukdar, WHO Consultant.

5. TRAINING ON MALARIA

Three days training, held at NECHA from 22nd to 24th Feb. 2011, was attended by 30 health workers from 5 dioceses. The resource persons were Dr. K. Barman, CM & HO (CD),Assam, Dr. P.K. Phukan, M&E Consultant, NVBDCP, Mr. R.N. Talukdar, Asst. DHS (Entomology), NVBDCP, Assam, Dr. K. Khound, SDM & HO. The training gave the participants the Knowledge of how malaria is caused, its symptoms and the need of suitable medication.

6. TRAINING PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS

A training on HIV/AIDS, held at NECHA from 25 to 27 Feb 2011, had 30 health workers of Diphu, Kohima, and Shillong, as participants. Dr. S.I. Ahmed and Miss Sophia from AIDS Prevention Society, Guwahati, who explained to the participants about the causes of HIV/AIDS and how it can be prevented.

7. SEMINAR ON HIV/AIDS, T.B. & MALARIA

Three days of Seminar on HIV/AIDS, T.B. & Malaria was organized from 25th- 27th March 2011 by NECHA. The Animators of the training were Dr. G.C Singh, Dr. Swaroop Baruah, Dr. S.N. Goswami & Mrs. Arpana Barman. 35 persons participated in the Seminar from the Dioceses of Diphu, Shillong, Kohima, Guwahati and Dibrugarh. The Seminar was enlightening due to the clear presentation and free discussions about the Topic.

8. INTEGRATED RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Integrated Rural Development was taken up for the empowerment of rural women who are 80% illiterate. 10 villages from Tangla Parish under the diocese of Tezpur were chosen for the activities. The various activities adopted for empowering rural women were the following:-

• a) Adult literacy and education of 200 men and women of the targeted villages.
• b) 300 children of the targeted villages were enrolled in the Baalwadi Schools.
• c) Cycles were distributed to the village supervisors
  

• d) Health camps were conducted in 10 villages and 1500 persons were given free consultation and medicines.
  


• e) Monthly motivational classes, awareness programme on Health, and Education were organized.
  


• f) 15 young persons were trained for IGP in Umran, RRTC and Goalpara Auxilium training centre.
  

9. TRAINING ON VITAMIN A BY VITAMIN ANGELS TEAM

Vitamin Angels aims to provide Vitamin A supplements to NGOs in States with demonstrable Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD). This is in answer to the statistics of Government of India provided to the WHO that 62% of all preschool children are deficient in Vitamin A. NECHA as an NGO works with Vitamin Angels to supply Vitamin A together with Albendazole to children between 6- 59months of age in the seven states of North East India through the 15 diocesan units and 296 member Institutions. This programme is vigorously implemented in the rural areas of all states from 2014, assisting the government of India launch in 1970, to reach Vitamin A to all children. Vitamin Angels organizes and conducts every year training in NECHA on the best use of Vitamin supplements to children and Multi Vitamins to pregnant and lactating mothers. The units distributed last two years by NECHA amounts to 186,000 units.

The supply of Vitamin A and Albendazole to children from 6 months to 59 months is done by NECHA through the Diocesan Units and the Member Institutions in North East. Therefore, the training and evaluation with various Stake Holders (NGOs) takes place each year at NECHA.

Training by Vitamin Angels	Vitamin A to rural children

10. TRAINING ON DISABILITY

NECHA in its attempt to reach out to the remotest villages of 7 states takes up” EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN and integrated community health”, trains leaders, teachers and Health workers on the causes, prevention, and management(rehabilitation) of disability.

11. TRAINING ON SHG FORMATION

SHGs are found to be a powerful tool of empowerment. Training and formation of SHG for women in the rural areas, is found to be a powerful medium of building harmony, building awareness of rights especially in the field of education and health for women. NECHA organizes and forms SHGs in the village communities where the women bring drastic changes in the rural communities.

12. TRAINING OF TEACHERS FOR ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Empowerment of people, especially rural women, is impossible without literacy. Many villages, the women are still illiterate, since Literacy Mission of the Government, in the rural areas, exists only in papers. Training the rural women to be the teachers of rural women is one of our untiring tasks. Having seen, the change brought about in the thinking of rural women, literacy to rural communities has become, a priority activity of NECHA in the implementing of community health.

13. FORMATION OF CHRISTIAN COALITIN FOR HEALTH(CCH)

CCH is an umbrella organization that works to bring health for all, by networking between various NGOs of Catholic Health Association (CHAI) Christian Medical Association of India, (CMAI), Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) Christian Medical Colleges of Vellore and Ludhiyana, doing health ministry, to work together and collaborate to make health for the rural poor, a reality. In this age of competition for profit, the health services, has become an industry, while CCH assist to make health services a ministry. To this end NECHA organized a meeting of all Directors of Christian Hospitals in North East India in 2015, in order to coordinate the health programs of various Christian health providers of the region such as Hospitals, dispensaries and rural health centers. Ms.Anuvinda Varkey, Director CCH animated the 39 Administrators of Hospitals and formed a Regional Unit of CCH

14. AWARENESS ON THE FOLLOWING

NECHA has studied the following topics, to bring health and prevent illness, and provided classes to the rural as well as semi Urban population, as part of realizing our vision. The topics mentioned below are found very important and relevant for the rural population.

1. Fluorisis and clean water
2. Malaria
3. HIV/ AIDS
4. TB
5. Food Safety
6. Breast and cervical cancer
7. Cure for common diseases
8. Skin cancer
9. Pancreas
10. Vertigo
11. Teeth Problems
12. Lung Cancer
13. Hair Loss
14. Glaucoma
15. Mouth smell
16. Diabetics
17. Mole
18. Joint problems
19. Ear problem
20. Afib
21. Blood
22. Temporomandibular joint syndrome
23. Good effects of Tea
24. Asthma
25. Kidney stone
26. Heart attack
27. Nutritional Problems
28. All about Vitamins
29. Cholesterol and its importance
30. All about Allergies
31. Health and Hygiene in Rural Situation
32. Surgeries to improve vision
33. Pain Management
34. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Treatment
35. Tropical Fruits, their benefits
36. Sources of Vitamins & Minerals
37. Acupuncture
38. Sleep Hygiene
39. Aging
40. Triglycerides
41. Hormonal Imbalance in Women
42. Lung & Respiratory Health
43. Benefits of Cinnamon
44. Osteoporosis
45. Weight Loss
46. Liver Maintenance
47. Urinary Tract Infections
48. Food Adulteration

NECHA had its AGBM on 2nd and 3rd September 2011 at Bakdil Training Centre Tura. The theme of the AGBM meeting was “Health Insurance”. The chief guest was Shri Sanjay Goyel, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, and the guests of honour were Most Rev John Moolachira, Co-adjutor Archbishop of Guwahati and Most. Rev Andrew Marak, Bishop of Tura and Rev. Dr. Tommy IMS, Director General of CHAI.

NECHA SILVER JUBILEE CUM AGBM 2010

NECHA celebrated the SILVER JUBILEE together with the AGBM in 2010. The celebrations were graced with the presence of Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil, the Archbishop of Guwahati and the other bishops from the region and many invited guests from the Health Department of Assam Government. All the previous presidents and Directors of NECHA were present at the celebrations. The silver jubilee celebration was an occasion
to evaluate the past and to formulate a strategic plan for future. It was to evaluate the past activities and to form a strategic plan for future.

ACTIVITIES 2011

NECHA had its AGBM on 2nd and 3rd September 2011 at Bakdil Training Centre Tura. The theme of the AGBM meeting was “Health Insurance”. The chief guest was Shri Sanjay Goyel, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, and the guests of honour were Most Rev John Moolachira, Co-adjutor Archbishop of Guwahati and Most. Rev Andrew Marak, Bishop of Tura and Rev. Dr. Tommy IMS, Director General of CHAI.

ACTIVITIES 2012

AGBM of NECHA was conducted from 29th to 30th September 2012 in NECHA premises. 56 representatives from Member Institutions were present excluding the invited guests for the AGBM. Prominent persons like Most Reverend Bishop Joseph Aind SDB of Dibrugarh, Rev. Dr. Fr. Tomi IMS, director general of CHAI, Secunderabad and Dr. Ishi MMBS, DNB (MEDICINE) from Dispur Hospital were the special invitees for the meeting. The theme of the meeting was, “HEALTH CARE UPDATE AND HEALTH INSURANCE”. Inaugural session was made more colourful by songs and dances of children from Savio School Baridua and Jyotiniketan School Narengi for the blind children.

Participants at a session	Women in training for literacy
Dance by Savio School Children	Song by Savio School Children
Dance by Jyotiniketan School	Free distribution of mosquito nets

NECHA has launched out its health care programmes into rural areas. Awareness programme on Health and hygiene, education and motivation programmes for youth are regularly conducted in the 10 villages of Tangla Parish. Free distribution of 200 mosquito nets and 5 health camps were also conducted. Training of 15 youths in IGP is being conducted at various places for driving, welding and Tailoring.



Rehabilitation of Disabled children

NECHA takes special care to provide medical and educational help to less abled children of the society. At present NECHA is helping 54 children of such for education, treatment and rehabilitation and also providing Vocational training to those who are able to undergo training. Few of the children are settled in life after the training in tailoring at Montfort special School.




ACTIVITIES 2013

Rev. Fr. George Parackal, Director of NECHA, 2007-2013 returned to his Diocese, Kohima after handing over the role of Director NECHA to Fr.Paul Thettayil, Diocese of Dibrugarh who took charge on 1st April 2013.

•

The members of the NECHA Diocesan Units bid farewell to Fr.George Parackal and welcomed Fr. Paul Thettayil as the new Director of NECHA. He was the the Regional Secretary to the Commission of Proclamation, North East from 2008 - 2013

e) FUTURE RUNWAYS

f) SERVICES

g) MATERIALS AVAILABLE AT NECHA BOOKS:

REPORT OF NECHA AGBM 2014

NEW OFFICE BEARERS OF NECHA

SR.MARINA ABRAHAM SCC of Harmutty, DU president of Tezpur was elected PRESIDENT OF NECHA FROM 2014.

SR.HELEN NONGRUM MCJ President Nognstoin DU president was elected General Secretary of NECHA from 2014

SR.ANCY JOSEPH CCV, Preisdent of Miao DU president was elected Deputy Secretary of NECHA from 2014.

EXECUTIVE BODY MEETINGS of NECHA:- 8.30 am on January 29th,2015 at Guwahati and second Meeting at 8.30 am on May 27th 2015. The Executive board members and all officer bearers agreed to reach NECHA office, the previous day.

CHAI Executive Director Rev.Fr. TOMI IMS, has requested NECHA to organize a SPIRITUAL RETREAT for the Member Institutions (MIs) together with the Executive Board Meet on JANUARY 2015 at the RU Office at Guwahati. The retreat will be animated by a team from CHAI. It will last for 4 full days. If those DU presidents and some MIs could request the Provincial Superiors and make this Retreat as their ANNUAL SPIRITUAL Retreat, it would benefit the Nurse Sisters.

NECHA AGBM of 2015, was tentatively is fixed on 25th and 26th of September 2015. If CHAI AGBM is arranged before these dates, then dates of AGBM of NECHA will be shifted to another date by Exe.Board.

REPORT OF AGBM 2014.

His grace Archbishop John Moolachira inaugurated the AGBM by unfurling the NECHA Flag at 8.45 am on 27th September 2014. Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind, the Ecclesiastical Advisor was present for RNTCP and AGBM. He was the Guest of Honor at RNTCP Review meet on 26th September. Rev. Sr. Prabha SCC, Exe.Director CBCI CARD and Dr.Girish Singh, National Coordinator CBCI CARD, Dr. Pranab Nath, Coordinator, Meghalaya and Dr. Randeep Neog, Coordinator of Assam were the other dignitaries who took part in the various programs. The officers of Assam, STO and WHO consultant of State TB program graced the RNTCP meet on 26th September.



The Executive board meeting was conducted by Fr. Paul Thettayil, in the absence of the NECHA president Sr. Rose Alex, who could not arrive at Guwahati due to the flash floods in Garo hills.

The annual report was read in the meeting by Fr. Paul and requested suggestions from the 10 DU presidents present. Points discussed were the following.

At 6.30 PM Bishop Joseph Aind presided over the Holy Mass, for the participants of AGBM.

Sr. Prabha SCC spoke on the need of “empowering ourselves as religious before we can empower others. The need of being a Prophet, standing for truth and Justice as empowered religious, can lead us to fulfill the mission entrusted to each one of us.

The post-lunch session was guided by Sr. Annie SMI in order to elect the new Office bearers of NECHA. Through the secret ballot, the assembly voted in the first round the President, General Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Among the proposed Candidates, Sr. Marina Abraham SCC, Tezpur Du President received 31 votes while Sr. Alice Thomas received 15 with one invalid vote that wrote wrong names. Sr. Helen Nongrum MCJ Nongstoin DU President was elected Secretary General with 33 votes while Sr. Anice FCC of Imphal Received 14 votes. Sr. Ancy Joseph CCV, DU president of MIAO received 30 votes while Sr. Annie Jose OSA, DU president of Bongaigaon received 16 votes. The new office bearers were honoured and welcomed with Assamese Gamucha by the assembly.

The second half of the afternoon session was dedicated to sharing of special experiences by the MI’s. Sr. Annie SMI shared about the sufferings of Adivasis in Uriamghat caused by Nagas who burnt houses and chased people out of their homes in 7 villages bordering Assam and Nagaland. Fr. Lazar added that the two state governments need to settle the border disputes politically.

Sr. Alice Thomas MSMHC shared with the others the sufferings caused by flash floods and cloud bursts in Garo hills. The people lost crops, animals, houses and property by the natural calamity.

Sr. Prabha asked the sisters what they have done on the clinical establishment act being passed in Assam and in other states. She urged the nurse sisters to remove the board “dispensary” and replace with “Primary care center” or “Holistic Health Promotion Centre”. She encouraged nurse sisters to go the website to learn more about CEA. She adviced the sisters to have a PARADIGM SHIFT in the mind from “Doctoring to Vaidya”. She proposed to go on herbal and natural healing methods, than depending on allopathic treatment.

Fr. Paul introduced the aspects of NECHA aspirations and the need of endorsing it through the DU SPP meet in every diocese. He spoke on the history of the RU’s and how CHAI from 2013 is assisting the RU’s and DU’s to learn to network and collaborate between the various commissions within the dioceses and in the region. The short term goal is fixed to 2014 and long term goal fall in 2018. He also spoke about the mapping of resource persons such as DHC and facilitators in every Diocese and resource mapping of various congregations in the region.

The newly elected office bearers thanked the assembly for trusting them and electing them to the various offices of NECHA. They promised to work for the improved relationship and quality of work in NECHA. While responding to Fr. Paul’s word of thanks to Fr. Tomi, thanked Fr. Paul the Director of NECHA for his quick response in communicating with CHAI and his efforts to revive the different DU’s of NECHA that were in slumber. Sr. Delina expressed her appreciation to Fr. Paul for energizing the DU’s through the process of SPP.

And hour of adoration to the Blessed Sacrament was organized at 6.30 PM in order to thank Jesus for all the blessings, every person received and every effort made by the MI’s to promote health care in the rural areas.

28th Sept 2014 CAPACITY BUILDING
The day commenced with Rev.Fr. Johnson Parackal SDB, Director of Don Bosco Institute, Joypur, Kharguli, Guwahati presiding over the Holy Mass and prayed for the Health Workers who participated in the AGBM at NECHA. He congratulated the Nurse Sisters for their dedicated care for the sick and the suffering people in the rural areas. In the homily he emphasized the need of learning the will of the Father and fulfil them after the example of the repentant son referred in the Gospel Mt.21:28-32.
Mr. Dony Peter Chacko from Bengaluru was the resource person for the program in which 44 participants took part. He animated them assisted by power point presentation and animations on the following points.



RNTCP Review Meet

1. Transformation of leadership, after the example of Jesus. When one leader dies another one is born. Jesus empowers his disciples, that they would be transformed, in order to transform others.

2. Shift of mind setup. Human beings see and judge according to the mindset of the person. If we have to perceive new things, we need change of mindset.

3. Importance of listening.

4. Do not depend only on our experience in order to evaluate others.

5. Do not underestimate others.

6. Build self confidence and be positive.

7. Do actions and evaluate them.

Omega leadership which has four parts.

a. START NOW, spend 3 minutes on any task.

b. Be aware that we are also part of the problem.

c. Build with love, we need to build people around us.
The training program on capacity building concluded by 12.30PM.

63 Sister Nurses took part in the AGBM in which RCTCP Review Meet and Training on Capacity Building were clubbed together from 25th to 28th Sept.2014.

Complied by Sr. Ancy Joseph and edited by Fr. Paul Thettayil.


28th AGBM NECHA 2015
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATORS OF CHRISTIAN HOSPITALS NE
AUGUST 20, 2015

The AGBM of 2015 was clubbed with a first ever meeting of Administrators of all Christian Hospitals of North East Region on 20th august 2015.Archbishop John Moolachira graced the occasion as the Chief Guest who addressed the assembly on the responsibility of adding love to our healing ministry. Rev. Sr. Prabha Varghese, Executive Director CBCI CARD spoke on the need to reach the unreached basing on her own vast experience in Central India. Rev.Fr.Julius Arackal CMI, the President of CHAI and the main animator Ms.Anuvinda Varkey, Executive Director Christian Coalition for Health (CCH) were the dignitaries who graced the occasion. Fr. Paul Thettayil, Executive Director of NECHA, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. He spoke of great hope for the CCH since he saw for the first time a100% participation of all invitees.

Ms Anuvinda played the Key Note address by Dr.M.C. Mathew Chairperson of CMC Vellore, guiding the participants on the evolution of the urgent need of networking in order to make the healing ministry of Jesus relevant. Anuvinda took over the animation from then. She emphasized on the collective witnessing of all stakeholders in the Healing Ministry of Jesus in India, which was led by CHAI. In the formation of a Core team to deal with the health problems and issues faced in North East India, Dr.Vijay Anand Ismavel of Christian Hospital Makunda and Dr.Koshi of Baptist Hospital Tezpur volunteered. The other member was Fr. Paul Thettayil of NECHA.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF CBCI CARD AUGUST 21, 2015

21st August 2015 was dedicated to the Annual Review Meet of the CBCI CARD. Rev.Sr. Prabha Varghese Executive. Director, Dr.Girish Singh, National Coordinator and the State TB officers were welcomed by Dr.Randeep Neog, who is the Assam Coordinator of CBCI CARD. After the welcome given to various dignitaries, they discussed the urgent of eradicating TB from our Region with collaborative effort. There were presentations from various hospitals as well as State TB Officer.

FELICITATION OF FR.K C GEORGE, FOUNDER & GOLDEN JUBILARIAN

The felicitation of Fr K.C George began at 5pm with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the chapel of NECHA Building Guwahati. The main Celebrant was Fr K.C George the Jubilarian himself, Fr Paul and Lazar concelebrated with him. Sr. Ancy Joseph gave introduction to the Holy Mass and invited Sr. Marina and Mabel, the Silver Jubilarian to the Eucharistic Celebration to thank God for their vocation to the religious life. All Jubilarians came in a procession with colourful lighted candles to the Altar. During his Homely, Fr. George enlightened us on the Mission of Jesus which is handed to us and our responsibility of carrying the same in our lives, healing and reaching the unreached. After the final blessing Fr K.C George was welcomed at the gate of NECHA BUILDING with a colourful golden umbrella. (Muthu Kuda) and taken to the Hall.

Sr. Annie SMI anchoring the felicitation program welcomed the founder Fr. George who has completed 50years as a Priest. Sr. Marina Abraham SCC gave the welcome speech and explained the purpose of the felicitation and welcomed the Golden Jubilarian with a golden shawl and a bouquet of flowers. Sr. Mabel and Marina were also greeted with silver shawl and flowers. The prayer dance was performed by SMI candidates who invoked the blessings of God. Sr. Marina SCC, welcomed the President of CHAI Rev.Fr.Julius Arkal CMI, Rev.Fr.K C George, Sr.Prabha Varghese, Executive. Director CBCI CARD, all Diocesan Unit Presidents, Fr. Paul Thettayil and all the Member Institutions and invited guests.

Sr.Merin Sennu FCC in her address gave a brief description of Fr. K.C George and his contributions to NECHA and to the health care programs in the Church of North East. Knowing Fr.K C George for a long time she added variety to her presentation. NECHA presented him with a laptop so that he would be able to write about his contributions to humanity. Sr. Marina, the President of NECHA was presented with a gift too. The Narengi Blind school students of Venerini Congregation presented a Hindi song enthralling everyone. Sr Ancy CCV shared with us a true story to show how the healing ministry is still relevant today. Miss Tina Borah presented a Krishna Dance. She is the gold medallist of All India Students Kunfu competition. The WDC Students presented a colourful dance. Fr K.C George in his talk shared with us the origin of NECHA, his struggles and achievements in founding NECHA. He invited us to continue reaching out to the unreached as Jesus the healer of all. He also invited us to form small health groups in the villages and teach the people responsible taking care of their own health and that of others. Sr. Alice Thomas MSMHC thanked everyone for organising and participating giving honour to Fr.K C George Founder of NECHA and the Golden Jubilarian.

In the Dinner that followed 120 invitees were served 12 delicious Vegetarian ONAM dishes. The Archbishop John Moolachira and priests and religious of various congregations and institutions and close neighbours of NECHA graced the occasion. Cake and "Payasam" were the concluding items of the Dinner.

Felicitation of Rev.Fr.George K.C. on his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee 21.08.2015

AUGUST 22, 2015

The day begun with the Holy Mass at 6:30am in the chapel. Fr K.C George, in his homily emphasized the importance of service with strong faith in Jesus and the need to share this faith with all whom we serve. The NECHA flag was hoisted by Fr Julius Arackal the CHAI President, followed by the inaugural function anchored by Sr Marbel VSDB. The ceremonial lamp was lighted by Fr K.C George, Fr Julius, Fr Paul, Sr Maratha SCCG, Sr. Marina followed by short prayer service led by Sr Icydora and Sr Marbel.

AGBM MEET	FLAG HOISTING

Sr Marina Abraham SCC, the president in her welcome speech quoted the words of Nelson Mandela, saying "our deepest fear is not our weakness but our power, not our darkness but our light ". She invited us to be liberated and to liberate others and by letting our light shine forth. Fr K.C George, Fr Julius, and Fr Sunil the president of CHAI Kerala, Sr Prabha Varghese, Sr Martha and Fr Paul were welcomed with phulon Gamucha.

Fr Julius begun his first session with the word of Pope Francis that the church is missionary and Christ sends us on a mission. Then he went on with the motto of CHAI love of God compels us, Attitude makes the 100% result of our work. All depend on our Attitude. Then he went on explaining about our strengths and challenges.

Major Strengths: Success VS Happiness, Happiness VS Commitment, Our coming together, for a common goal, desire for quality and our willingness to share.

Major Challenges as:

Less of commitment to the cause, no vision, no professionalism, less of planning, less of communication and how can we overcome these challenge. How to over- come challenges was explained as:-

Motivating people to commit themselves, to create ownership, empower associates to make right decisions and sharing the benefits. He stressed that authority has to be linked and soaked with responsibility. Then he taught a group game to help us to evaluate the process of success.

Fr Julius went on with repositioning health ministry in India 2020. The CBCI Commission for Health and CHAI are working in collaboration with CCH for the said purpose in the National, Regional and Diocesan Levels conducting Strategic Planning Process in every diocese. To this purpose, repositioning retreats, and formation of advocacy Units at National and Regional levels were proposed.

Fr Paul the director of NECHA shared the difficulties of attaining the desired purpose of strategy of planning in different Dioceses. He also emphasized the importance of setting goal for health ministry, and procuring medicines and equipments much cheaper through Common Purchase, to make it affordable to poor people.

In the afternoon session, there were elections to Vice-President and Treasurer to NECHA. Two names were proposed by the Board for the two offices. Sr. Alice Thomas President of Tura Unit won in the run for Vice President, by 22 votes against Sr. Annie Jose OSA (7) of Bongaigaon.

Among the proposed names for the office of the treasurer Sr. Annie Jose OSA won by 23 votes against Sr.Dayamani Narzary (6) President of Diphu Unit. Sr Alice MSMHC and Sr Annie Jose were felicitated and welcomed with traditional Gamucha.

As the term of Sr. Mabel as CHAI Executive. Body member from NECHA expired and she expressed her desire to be freed from the office, the Executive Board of NECHA had unanimously proposed Sr. Ursula Indwar MSMHC, President of Dibrugarh Unit. Since no other name proposed, there was no election to the office. Sr. Ursula gave her consent to Sr. Marina, the President over the phone as she could not travel to Guwahati due to a sprained angle. Sr. Ancy Joseph CCV Deputy Secretary read the report of 27th AGBM.Sr. Marbel VSDB seconded the report and was passed. Fr Paul presented the report of NECHA activities as well as the financial report. 32 members were present for the 28th AGBM.

Fr Lazar in his thanksgiving speech congratulated Fr K.C George the golden Jubilarians and concluded with thanking the participants and all the staff members of NECHA. 28th AGBM was concluded with a short prayer.

AGBM 2016

The AGBM 2016 of NECHA started with meeting of the members of the Executive Board on 12th August 2016 at 9.30am. The report of 89th Board Meeting was read by Sr. Helen Nongrum the Secretary and it was passed with some corrections.

a) The AGBM commenced with the unfurling of NECHA flag by Rev.Fr.Sebastian Ouseparampil, Director of DAN, and Nagaland. After the Inaugural prayer, the members participated in the Inaugural function in NECHA hall, where Rev.Fr. Sebastian was the chief guest and Archbishop John Moolachira was the guest of honour. Sr. Marina Abraham, President of NECHA welcomed the guests and participants, in the traditional style. Prayer dance by students of SMMI, Baridua and a song by children of blind school Narengi Jyoti Niketan, were the highlights of inauguration. Key note address of Rev.Fr.Mathew Abraham Executive Director CHAI was read by the president. Archbishop, in his exhortation, spoke of the demands of Health Care in the world today and spoke of the reason of its decline. Fr.Sebastian, in his presentation, spoke of the reasons of Cancer, the poisonous food we consume in various forms and suggested natural cures available in Ayurveda.

Flag Hoisting	Theme “Cancer Awareness”

The theme Cancer was dealt by Dr. D. Barman & Dr. Abhijit Talukdar of the D Baruah Cancer Institute Guwahati. They dealt with Cervical and Breast Cancer respectively. They dealt with risk factors, symptoms, necessity of early detection and treatment, and causes of the illness.

Presentations by Doctors	Participants

b) The meeting reminded the DU Presidents to have a faster and speedy communication with NECHA Office. The Nurse Sisters and Member Institutions must meet together for sharing their experiences and thus enriching and supporting each other. The member Institutions of each unit need to be visited by the DU President occasionally. The reason is that health care activity of today does not bring in money to support itself. Hence all concentration goes to school activities and Social works supported by some Funding Agencies.

c) In some Dioceses, a health coordinator is appointed (DHC) without any agreement signed between the provincial and the Bishop, to ensure the smooth functioning of DHC and no facilities are provided to the DHC (Monthly stipend, travel expenses of the DHC, office space, and computer and communication facilities).

Presentation by Rev.Fr.Sebastian	Board & Councillors

d) The coordination of MIs is to be done by the DU President of every Diocesan unit and not to be delegated to a priest who may be the health commission secretary of the diocese.

e) The President of NECHA reminded the members to send the annual report of their DU at least a week before the AGBM in order to present a compiled annual report of the members of NECHA.

f) The Pastoral conference of the region to be held at NEDSSS from 12-15th September 2016 commences with Sainthood celebrations of Mother Teresa of Kolkata on 12th September at 6.00pm in the Guwahati Medical College Auditorium where all religious heads and top civil authorities are to take part. Sr. Alice Thomas, Vice president of NECHA, was entrusted to speak to the major superiors attending the pastoral conference on the proposed CHAI National AGBM in Guwahati in 2017.

g) The blessing and inauguration of National Medical Services Consortium (NMSC) store house was done by the Archbishop John Moolachira in Sonaighuli at 3.30pm and all members of the Board attended the function.

h) In the business session the various reports were presented. The election of Sr.Lizzie to the deputy Secretary and Sr. Alice Thomas to the vice president were completed. The annual and financial report of NECHA was presented by Fr.Paul and Sr. Annie Jose OSA, the treasurer, respectively. The use of snake stone and the Magnets was explained by Fr.Paul and proposed training on alternative system of treatment in NECHA. Sr. Ursula Indwar, Executive Board Member of CHAI, gave

AGBM NECHA 2017

30th AGBM of NECHA was held on 26th August 2017 at NECHA Building 6th mile, Guwahati. The theme of the AGBM was “Role, Responsibility and Relationship of MI, DU, RU & CHAI”. The facilitator of the day was Rev. Fr. Mathew Abraham CssR, M.D. Director General, CHAI. Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo of Tezpur was the chief guest and Bishop Joseph Aind, special guest. The days programme started with the hoisting of the NECHA flag and the Holy Mass.

Fr. Mathew Abraham explained to the 56 participants, the role of Member Institutions (Health Centres, Hospitals, registered with CHAI) their role as Health Care Providers, their responsibility and relationship with Diocesan Units of CHAI (DU), the relationship between DU and Regional Unit (NECHA) and relationship with CHAI. The particular theme was chosen because of the lack of communication & relationship between the Member Institutions with DU, and NECHA. The face of the Church, seen by the people is the service of the Sister Nurses in Health Centres and Hospitals. The problems faced by Sr. Nurses with the introduction of GST, was adequately replied by Fr. Mathew Abraham. The bishops appreciated and thanked the Sister Nurses, for their dedicated service to show the compassionate face of Jesus to the people. In the business sessions, elections to the Office Bearers of NECHA and Executive Board Member to CHAI were done. Sr.Lizzie K.SCCG was elected member of the executive board of CHAI and Sr. Marina Abraham SCC was elected President of NECHA for a second term. In conclusion, Bishop Joseph Aind who was present prayed for NECHA and gave his blessings on each one to continue the healing ministry after the example of Jesus the divine healer

In the Board meeting held on 25th August, 2017 a homage was paid to Sr.Ursula Indwar President of CHAD and CHAI Executive Member from NECHA region, who passed away on 25th May, 2017. Prayer was offered and one minute silence was observed. Rev.Fr.Mathew Abraham-Director General of CHAI, Sr.Marina Abraham-President NECHA and Fr.Paul Thettayil-Director NECHA participated in the funeral of Sr.Ursula on 26th May, 2017, in Dibrugarh. The new DU presidents, Fr.James Thangshel of Imphal, Sr.Prema Misquith BS of Agartala and Sr.Mary Concepta Pasi FMA of Jowai were welcomed with gamocha by the other members. Sr.Alice Thomas of Tura DU who volunteered to be administrator of NECHA and was released by Rev.Sr.Mary Thdavanal, Provincial superior Guwahati Province, was also welcomed with gamocha. The members proposed Sr.Lizzie, Sr. Blinda and Sr.Mary Pasi to the post of executive member of CHAI. Since the term of the president Sr.Marina expired, names of Sr.Marina and Sr.Irene Crasta were proposed to be elected by the General Assembly.

The members proposed a revision of contributions to NECHA. The unit contribution of every diocese Rs.500/- (Earlier was Rs.300/-) and individual contribution to AGBM participation would be Rs.200/- (Earlier was Rs.100/-).
In the business session at 2.00 pm, Sr. Marina Abraham was re-elected as President, and Sr.Lizie was elected Executive Board Member of CHAI.

The AGBM concluded at 4.00 pm with a vote of thanks by Sr. Irene Crasta, president Aizawl Diocesan Unit.

Board Meeting	Participants of AGBM
Welcome by president	Hoisting of NECHA Flag
Sharing in groups