First Sister-Doctor to Lead Catholic Health Association of India Marks Historic Milestone

Secunderabad, March 30, 2026 — In a landmark development for the Church’s healing ministry in India, Sr. Dr. Helen Mary Anthony has been appointed Director of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), becoming the first sister-doctor to head the organisation since its founder, Venerable Mary of the Sacred Heart Glowrey.

Currently serving as Associate Director General, Sr. Helen will assume office in May 2026 at the Secunderabad-based network, widely regarded as the world’s largest voluntary Catholic healthcare system, serving nearly 21 million people across India.

She succeeds Fr. Mathew Abraham, continuing a tradition of medically qualified leadership guiding the organisation’s expansive mission.

Founded in 1943 by Dr. Mary Glowrey, an Australian physician and Religious Sister, CHAI has grown from a modest network of 40 hospitals into a vast nationwide presence. Today, it encompasses more than 3,700 member institutions, including hospitals, medical colleges, nursing schools, dispensaries, and primary health centres, making it a cornerstone of the Church’s healthcare outreach in India.

A trained obstetrician and gynaecologist, Sr. Helen completed her medical education at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, where she earned her MBBS and MD degrees, followed by specialised certification in obstetric and gynaecological ultrasonography.

Her decades-long medical ministry includes service as a senior house surgeon at Holy Family Hospital, Patna, and as a rural medical officer in Gokunte. Since 2002, she has held key leadership roles as Chief Medical Officer at Shanthi Nilaya Health Centre and Nirmala Health Centre in Bengaluru, combining clinical expertise with administrative leadership.

Beyond her healthcare service, Sr. Helen has contributed significantly to religious and ecclesial leadership. She has served as Provincial Superior and General Councillor in her congregation, and currently functions as Provincial Councillor and SM Apostolate Coordinator. She is also the national treasurer of the Sister Doctors Forum of India, supporting women religious in medical ministry, and serves as secretary of the Jalahalli Zone of the Conference of Religious India in North Bengaluru.

Her vocation to both religious life and medicine was nurtured within a deeply faith-filled family, influenced by a priest-uncle and two aunts in consecrated life. Encouraged by her congregation, she embraced healthcare as a vital apostolate of service.

Sr. Helen’s appointment is seen as both a continuation of CHAI’s founding vision and a renewed affirmation of women’s leadership in the Church’s mission of healing. Her leadership comes at a time when faith-based healthcare remains a crucial lifeline for millions, especially among the poor and marginalised across the country.

By Catholic Connect Reporter