Working with the Government of India

CHAI’s Response to COVID-19

CHAI’s member institutions are supporting the local governments through patient referrals and hospital preparedness for COVID-19-related emergencies.

In addition, on 25 March 2020, the Christian Coalition for Health (CCH), which includes CHAI, the Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), Emmanuel Health Association (EHA) and the Christian Medical Colleges (CMC) of Vellore and Ludhiana, wrote a letter to the honourable Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, pledging its support to the government in the fight against COVID-19. The Christian healthcare networks together have more than 1,000 hospitals and about 60,000 inpatient beds spread across the country.

Following the receipt of the letter, the Prime Minister invited CCH to a high-level meeting with other faith-based and social organisations on 30 March 2020. The Prime Minister personally expressed his appreciation for the letter of support from the CCH and thanked Fr Mathew. Along with CCH, CHAI is now working on follow-up measures with the PMO and the Ministry of Health to support the efforts of the Government at the national and state levels.