In a significant milestone for the Church’s healthcare mission in India, Sr. Dr. Helen Mary Anthony has been appointed Director of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI). Notably, she becomes the first sister-doctor to lead the organisation since its founder, Venerable Mary of the Sacred Heart Glowrey.
Currently serving as Associate Director General, Sr. Helen will officially assume her new role in May 2026 at CHAI’s headquarters in Secunderabad. The organisation is widely regarded as the world’s largest voluntary Catholic healthcare network, serving nearly 21 million people across India.
Continuing a Legacy of Medical Leadership
Sr. Helen will succeed Fr. Mathew Abraham, thereby continuing CHAI’s tradition of leadership guided by individuals with strong medical backgrounds. Her appointment reinforces the organisation’s commitment to combining clinical expertise with compassionate healthcare service.
CHAI: A Pillar of Faith-Based Healthcare in India
Founded in 1943 by Dr. Mary Glowrey, an Australian physician and Religious Sister, CHAI has grown remarkably over the decades. What began as a network of around 40 hospitals has expanded into a nationwide healthcare system.
Today, the association includes more than 3,700 member institutions, such as hospitals, medical colleges, nursing schools, dispensaries, and primary health centres. Consequently, CHAI plays a vital role in delivering affordable healthcare services, particularly to underserved and rural communities across India.
A Distinguished Career in Medicine and Service
Sr. Helen is a trained obstetrician and gynaecologist. She completed her MBBS and MD degrees at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, and later obtained specialised certification in obstetric and gynaecological ultrasonography.
Over the years, she has built an extensive career in medical ministry. She served as a senior house surgeon at Holy Family Hospital in Patna and later worked 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, where she has successfully combined clinical practice with healthcare administration.
Leadership in Religious and Ecclesial Service
In addition to her medical work, Sr. Helen has actively contributed to religious leadership and ecclesial service. She has served as Provincial Superior and General Councillor in her congregation. Currently, she works as Provincial Councillor and SM Apostolate Coordinator.
Furthermore, she serves as the National Treasurer of the Sister Doctors Forum of India, which supports women religious engaged in medical ministry. She also holds the position of Secretary of the Jalahalli Zone of the Conference of Religious India in North Bengaluru.
A Mission Rooted in Faith and Service
As reported by catholicconnect, Sr. Helen’s vocation to both religious life and medicine emerged from a deeply faith-oriented family environment. Influenced by a priest-uncle and two aunts in consecrated life, she felt called to dedicate her life to service. Encouraged by her congregation, she chose healthcare as a powerful apostolate to serve the sick and vulnerable.
Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Faith-Based Healthcare
Her appointment marks both a continuation of CHAI’s founding vision and a strong affirmation of women’s leadership in the Church’s healing ministry. At a time when faith-based healthcare continues to support millions of underserved communities, Sr. Helen’s leadership is expected to further strengthen CHAI’s mission of compassionate and accessible healthcare across India.