The All India Congress on Church in Mission (AICOCIM) recently focused on health during a key session. Dr. Deepak Singh, executive director of the Emmanuel Hospital Association, urged the Church to embrace healthcare as a core part of its mission.
Singh, a seasoned pediatric surgeon, believes that caring for the sick is not an option but a fundamental calling for Christians. He pointed to Jesus’ message in Luke 4, emphasizing that healing and supporting those in need should be central to the Christian identity. “If we take that seriously, we cannot walk away from the health needs of our country,” he stated.
A Historical Perspective
Dr. Singh traced the roots of Christian healthcare in India, highlighting the efforts of early missionaries who established dispensaries and hospitals across the country. Many of these initiatives were kickstarted by single women who risked everything to serve on the front lines. Their legacy includes notable institutions like the Christian Medical College in Vellore, which have been vital to India’s healthcare landscape.
At independence, Christian missions managed over a thousand hospitals; however, only a handful remain today, many facing financial struggles. Nevertheless, Singh emphasized that the existing network still plays a critical role in healthcare.
“These hospitals brought modern medicine to India and practiced holistic care,” Singh noted. “That legacy is worth reaffirming.”
Today’s Challenges
India still faces significant gaps in healthcare, particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce. Urban centers have the bulk of healthcare services, creating a divide that leaves many communities underserved. As preventable diseases, maternal health issues, and chronic conditions like diabetes become more common, the need for quality care is urgent.
“These gaps aren’t just problems; they are chances for us to make a difference,” Singh said. He suggested that the Church should expand its healthcare mission, especially in rural regions, where the need is critical.
This doesn’t just mean building large hospitals. Local initiatives—like clinics, mobile units, and health education—can be started based on what communities truly need. “Being present is a message in itself,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of connection with those who lack support.
Expanding Our Focus
Singh highlighted areas like palliative care, disability services, and mental health that are often neglected. He views these sectors as ripe for Christian organizations to step in, saying, “These are spaces where Christians must act because it’s at the heart of the gospel.”
He also pointed out the role of livelihood in health. Projects linking rehabilitation with income—like providing small shops or animals of work—can restore dignity and stability for families.
“We must care for those who care for others,” Singh emphasized. With many mission hospitals facing stress, he insists on the importance of sustainability through local partnerships.
Transforming Community Care
Singh believes that for Christian healthcare to be effective, integrity within the community is essential. He recounted a scenario where unity among staff drastically improved the care provided at a hospital. “A family that prays together, stays together,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of shared goals and faith.
He also advocated for nurturing the next generation of healthcare workers. Drawing inspiration from the past, he called upon both men and women to view medical work as a calling, encouraging churches to actively cultivate new leaders in this field.
“Our capacity to meet healthcare needs is there; the question remains—will we commit?” Singh asked. He believes that the Church can embody Christ’s love by providing essential care to those who need it most.
The mission ahead is both medical and spiritual. It’s about showing compassion through action, healing the vulnerable, and reinforcing healthcare as a vital part of the Church’s role in society.
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