By Sr Lalita Roshni Lakra, DSA –
Ranchi: There is a huge rush of COVID-19 patients at St. Anne’s Hospital & Research Centre, Raja Ulhatu, at Ranchi in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand . Patients are mainly from rural areas and nearby villages who cannot afford to go to big hospitals in the city.
For the past few days, the Sisters and Novices of the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Anne (DSA), Ranchi in addition to their relief work at the hospital are distributing free lunch packets to over 150 patients’ attendants and medical staff. Sisters and Novices from Ranchi and Gumla provinces cook and distribute fresh and healthy food – rice, chicken, fish and egg curry, green vegetable, banana and water bottle to patient’s attendants as they find it very difficult to find decent food nearby.
DSA Sisters have been providing this service for the past three days. They plan to continue providing healthy food for some more weeks as there is a huge rush at the hospital.
St. Anne’s Hospital & Research Centre, Raja Ulhatu is situated in a remote area and is located some 15 kms away from Ranchi, capital of Jharkhand. This hospital serves the healthcare needs of the rural people. This hospital was officially inaugurated last year on 18 January, 2020 by Mr. Hemant Soren the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and Rev. Sr. Linda Mary Vaughan, the then Superior General of the Congregation. His Grace Felix Toppo, SJ, and Archbishop of Ranchi blessed the hospital building.
Recently, Caritas India provided financial help by sanctioning Rs. 21 lakhs for helping the Covid treatment at the request of the hospital administration.
History tells us that the then Founder Mother Mary Bernadette Prasad Kispotta, Servant of God did the same when India was affected by cholera epidemic during 1895-96. She and her three companions along with Loreto nuns and other priests worked in these areas to save the poor. She went house to house, village to village and hamlets on foot and served humanity.
Sr. Jacinta Kerketta, DSA is the current Secretary of St. Anne’s Hospital and Research Centre. Sr. Neelima Ekka, DSA is In-Charge of the COVID wing. Dr. Stephan Hansda resides at the hospital campus due to high incidences of cases. He is available 24 hours at the disposal of COVID patients.
A team of Sisters prepare and distribute the lunch packets. Newly-elected Mother General Sr. Lily Grace Topno and her General Team members – Sr. Mary Pushpa Tirkey, Sr. Sosan Bara, Sr. Jacinta Kerketta, Sr. Monica Kujur, Sr. Julie Xaxa, Sr. Shivani Ekka, Sr. Tarcilla Topno, Sr. Leokadia Lakra, Sr. Ruth Xalxo, Sr. Martha Xalxo, Sr. Ranjita Minj, Dr. Sr. Mariam Anupa Kujur, Sr. Sunita Xalxo, Sr. Beata, Sr. Kishori Lakra, Sr, Anjela Toppo and Sr. Anjela Barla -Lab Technicians, Sr. Sunita Kachhap – Pharmacist are present at the hospital round the clock and oversee the smooth running of the hospital.
Sister Nurses from different Provinces – Madhya Pradesh, Gumla and Ranchi are called to render their service in this hospital.
The Sisters expressed special thanks to Caritas India Director Rev. Fr. Paul Moonjali for supporting the hospital with financial help during this emergency time.