Sr. Helen Mary Anthony is set to make history as the first woman to head the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), the country’s largest network of Catholic healthcare providers. A member of the Sisters of St. Anne, Bengaluru, she will assume charge as director on May 1.
A 63-year-old gynecologist, Anthony brings decades of experience in hospital administration and medical service, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Expressing her commitment, she said she is honoured to take forward the organisation’s legacy of service.
Founded 83 years ago by Australian missionary nun Mary Glowrey, CHAI today comprises 3,572 member institutions across 11 regions, many operating in remote and hard-to-reach areas. The association provides a wide range of healthcare services primary, preventive, promotive, and curative reaching over 21 million people annually.
Outgoing director Mathew Abraham said he recognised Anthony’s leadership abilities early and mentored her for the role. She had been serving as deputy director for the past year.
Anthony highlighted that nearly 90% of CHAI’s workforce consists of women religious, supported by thousands of lay nurses from the Catholic community. Having spent much of her life working in rural healthcare, she is also an active member of the Sister Doctors Forum of India.
Inspired by Mother Teresa, Anthony said her calling to religious life and medical service go hand in hand. She joined her congregation at 16 and later became its provincial at the age of 38.
Reflecting on her work in maternal and child health, she noted a dramatic decline in infant mortality rates in rural areas from nearly 50% to below 3% due to sustained efforts by Catholic healthcare workers and government initiatives.
Looking ahead, she said CHAI will continue its mission to serve the most vulnerable, with increased focus on mental health, community outreach in impoverished regions, and palliative care.