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2001
VII AGBM — CARITAS, Goa, 22–25 February 2001
The highlights of events between 2001 and 2007, during the tenure of the second President, show how — through the commendable services of Sister Doctors in various fields, especially during disastrous situations — the Forum moved forward in government circles, in the Churches in India, and in some international agencies.
Sr. Dr. Hermina was elected as the 2nd President of SDFI during the VII AGBM at the CARITAS complex, Goa, from 22nd to 25th February 2001, with the new Board members. The theme for the AGBM was “Triple Intelligence.” Sister Doctors who were involved in relief work in Gujarat after the earthquake shared their experiences during the AGBM.
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2002
World Day of the Sick & VIII AGBM — Vailankanni
The Church celebrated the 10th International World Day of the Sick from 9th to 11th February 2002 at the shrine of Our Lady of Good Health at Vailankanni, India, with the theme: “In the Footsteps of Jesus, the Divine Healer.”
The VIII SDFI AGBM was held on 9th February 2002 at the Shrine and the members participated in all the events. The Forum had the privilege of meeting Vatican dignitaries privately and introduced the Forum to them. They were surprised and thrilled to see 200 Sister Doctors gathered in one place and happy to know that there were 500 Sister Doctors in India as of 2002 — the largest number in the world. As a reply to a letter to Pope John Paul II, a letter was received from the Secretariat of the Vatican on 22nd February 2002 signed by the Nuncio Monsignor Pedro Lopez Quintana.
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2002
Apostolic Blessing & CBCI recognition
The letter stated: “I have the honour to assure you that His Holiness has prayed for the members of the Forum commending all of you to the intercession of Mary, Health of the Sick. He cordially imparted his Apostolic Blessing.”
With the help of Fr. Alex, then Secretary of the Health Commission, and Archbishop Bernard Moras, the Chairman, SDFI was officially recognized by the CBCI.
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2003
IX AGBM & CME — Bandra, Bombay
The IX AGBM and CME programme was held at the Retreat Centre, Bandra, Bombay, on 7th, 8th and 9th February 2003. His Eminence Ivan Cardinal Dias attended the inaugural function.
About four Sister Doctors attended the 11-month HIV Physician Training programme at CMCH Vellore. Some SDFI members participated in the workshop on PMTCT of HIV/AIDS at Delhi on 17th and 18th March 2003, organized by CHAI and CMAI. The President of SDFI participated in the international consultation on the Church’s collective response to HIV/AIDS and scale-up action in India.
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2004
HIV training, X AGBM Chennai & tsunami response
Two groups of Sister Doctors attended an HIV/AIDS course for six days at Snehadan, Bangalore, organized by SDFI & CHAI in December 2003 and January 2004.
The X AGBM cum Conference of SDFI was held at Chennai from 27th–29th February 2004, attended by 120 Sister Doctors. The theme was “Access to Health through Clinical Hypnotherapy.” Sister Doctors in all regions conducted activities on HIV/AIDS; some regions held courses on Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
On 26th December 2004, when the tsunami struck the coastal area of Tamil Nadu, the Sister Doctors teamed up with CHAI and reached the affected areas.
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2005
XI AGBM — Kolkata & national health policies
The XI AGBM cum Seminar was held at Sevakendra, Kolkata from 18th to 20th February 2005. 127 Sister Doctors attended. The theme was “Holistic Empowerment through Integrated Health Care.” His Grace Lucas Sircar, Archbishop of Kolkata, celebrated the inaugural Mass. Sr. Nirmala MC, Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity, addressed the assembly on spirituality of healing. Sister Doctors visited and attended the Eucharistic celebration at the tomb of St. Mother Teresa.
SDFI members were present when the Church in India finalized policies on Health and HIV/AIDS. Launching of the policies was done on 31st August 2005 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The tsunami was followed by the earthquake on 8th October 2005 in Kashmir. Members of SDFI from the Northern Region, Jansi, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were involved in relief work in collaboration with CARITAS, CRS and J&KMSS.
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2006
XII AGBM — Kochi: “Health for all — A mirage”
The XII AGBM cum Seminar was conducted at the Renewal Centre, Kochi, from 17th to 19th February 2006 and was attended by a large number of Sister Doctors. The theme was “Health for all — A Mirage.” The inaugural function was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil.
The Sister Doctors underwent a five-day course in computer skills and update in two batches at BICS, Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu.
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2007
XIII AGBM — New Delhi: “Ecology and Health”
The XIII AGBM cum CME was held at Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi, from 28th February to 2nd March 2007 with the theme “Ecology and Health.” The inaugural address was given by His Eminence Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, Apostolic Nuncio. Other dignitaries included His Grace Archbishop Bernard Moras, Chairman, CBCI Health Commission, and Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Health Minister. He released the CD “Sister Doctors Forum of India — Down Memory Lane.”
Participants enjoyed Delhi darshan and were received by the late President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhavan — bringing recognition to Catholic Sister Doctors. Sr. Dr. Lina was elected as successor during the General Body meeting with the new Board members.
“Members of SDFI have always been working for the healing of the sick, the holistic interests of the downtrodden and the people affected by calamitous situations. I am deeply indebted to the Board members and the members of SDFI for their cooperation during my tenure as President of the Forum.” — Sr. Dr. Hermina