Award Ceremony for the Best performance in TB Control, Bihar, India

March 9, 2015

National Stakeholders meeting – Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme

India International Centre, New Delhi, Feb. 26^th 2015

Award Ceremony for the Best performance in TB Control in the Bihar

Sister Prema Devaraj, SND

It is with a deep sense of JOY and GRATITUDE to God; I share this beautiful momentous event of Feb. 26^th 2015 when all the TB patients we have treated over the years in Sasaram, Bihar with the healing touch of Jesus the compassionate Healer affirmed our dedicated and effective service to them. The Memento and Certificate of excellence I received from the Chief Guest, Mr. Satyendra Jain Health Minister, Delhi is the visible symbol of this acknowledgement. The award is for the year 2014-2015. I thank each member of my dedicated team members whose support and commitment is beyond words. Together we have done it!

The occasion was the National Stake Holders Meeting of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) which was attended by over 150 delegates. All the chief catholic functionaries were invited: Over 12 Bishops and Arch Bishops, Major superiors – CRI, Board members of Sister Doctors Forum of India, Christian Medical Association, others and Government officials from Central TB Division.

The Inaugural function and morning sessions were held in Indian Social Institute, Delhi. The day began at 9.00 a.m with an opening prayer by Arch Bishop of Delhi, His Grace Vincent Concessao. Dr. Girish Chandra, CBCI CARD National coordinator presented an overview of Tuberculosis, its origin and the present scenario in India and CBCI’s signed partnership with Government of India to eradicate TB from the country.

Next to Government of India the Catholic Church has the highest number of health facilities in the most unreached areas of the country among the poor and marginalized. Hence this partnership to reach the unreached. After the key note and presidential addresses, the ten awardees for excellent performance in our respective states were invited to give five minute power point presentation to show case their work for TB control.

We had also submitted a Flex standee and a 5 minute video clip depicting our work. The prize awarding ceremony was held in India International Institute at 6.30 p.m. The ambience was beautiful, calm and peaceful. The winter flowers were at their best. Fr. Joy S.J, ex provincial of Patna who is currently posted as Director in Indian Social Institute, Delhi accompanied us to the venue and was our local guardian, making sure we got a taxi to Badarpur after the long function got over around 9.30 p.m. I am very happy Srs. Anjanee and Nisha represented Notre Dame and were with me the whole day. We waited in suspense for the prize winner to be announced.

Then the ‘Aah’ moment arrived…Our Navjeevan Health center won the first prize! Praise the Lord with us! We were the first among the ten awardees. Hip Hip hurray for Bihar!

The Award Ceremony: Receiving Memento and Certificate from Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Satyendra Jain

Back row – from left to right: Dr. Girish Chandra National coordinator CBCI CARD, Dr. Fr. Tomy Director Catholic Health Association India(CHAI), Sr. Prabha HC Director CBCI CARD, Mr. Gupta Deputy Director General, Central TB Division, Government of India, Arch Bp. of Delhi, His Grace Vincent Concessao, Sr. Dr. Rose Mary Board member, Sister Doctors Forum of India.

Fr. Joy S.J, Sr. Anjanee, Sr. Nisha , Sr. Prema Devaraj, Mr. Sanjoi, CBCI State coordinator

His Grace Bishop Stephen of Darjeeling

The chief Guest, Mr. Satyendra, health minister Jain praised the sisters for their compassionate service with a smile. The dignitaries on the stage also congratulated and felicitated the awardees. Several Bishops expressed their determination to spread the good news about TB a curable disease. The sisters from the catholic facilities shared the challenges involved. The DDG assured the members full support and requested us to continue our committed service in spite of the challenges, so that together, we can eradicate TB from our country. Sr.Prabha HC proposed the vote of thanks. This was followed by a delicious banquet.