India-Russia church hospitals tie up to strengthen healthcare

Doctors from St. Gregory of Parumala Hospital in India conferred with colleagues at St. Alexius Hospital in Moscow this week, continuing a growing partnership between the two church-based medical institutions.

The visit started from June 24-29, 2024 aims to share best practices and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The Indian delegation included specialists from cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, traumatology, orthopedics, and other fields. They participated in a multidisciplinary conference alongside Russian doctors, presenting their experiences and learning from their counterparts.

Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov) of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations emphasized the importance of this cooperation for both Churches. He highlighted how serving patients aligns with their spiritual mission.

The Indian doctors toured St. Alexius Hospital facilities, including the operating room, intensive care unit, and palliative care department. They will also visit social institutions and educational centers in Russia before returning to India.

This latest exchange builds on a relationship initiated in 2019 by the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara OrthodoxChurch.

The future holds promise for continued collaboration, with plans for individual internships for doctors in both countries. Orthodoxy Cognate