Dr. Olinda Timms –
Bengaluru: The Second National Bioethics Colloquium, held on November 15-16, 2024, at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bangalore, was a beacon of hope and collaboration. Under the inspiring theme “Reaching the Unreached,” this gathering sought to illuminate pathways for addressing the needs of marginalized populations and underserved patient groups within our health systems and communities.
Participants from diverse backgrounds—including doctors, nurses, religious leaders, students, and health workers—came together from across India, representing regions such as Meghalaya, Mumbai, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu. This rich tapestry of voices was unified in purpose, with significant representation from the Sister Doctor Federation of India and the Catholic Health Association of India. The event was inaugurated by Fr. Dr. Jesudoss Rajamanickam, Director of St. John’s Academy, alongside Dean Dr. George Thomas and other esteemed members of the CCBI Bioethics Council. CCBI Bioethics Council Director Fr. Christopher Vimalraj, Secretary Dr Nancy Angeline and and Assc. Director Fr Charles Davis, and other Council members of the Bioethics Forum.
A pivotal session focused on Reproductive Health Ethics, urging participants to confront the challenges faced by women in contexts marked by limited autonomy and patriarchal constraints. The discussion highlighted the moral dilemmas Catholic doctors face when navigating infertility treatments while adhering to their beliefs. It underscored the necessity for support systems that empower health workers in their decision-making processes amidst moral distress.
Another critical area explored was Palliative Care, where it was revealed that 80% of those in need do not have access to these essential services. Participants shared inspiring stories of grassroots efforts to extend palliative care into rural areas and were encouraged to expand these initiatives through existing healthcare networks. The call to action emphasized community involvement and training to build a robust support system for families and caregivers.
The colloquium also turned its focus to rural communities lacking adequate health services. Participants analyzed barriers that deter medical professionals from serving these areas and discussed the importance of instilling a service-oriented mindset in medical education. The conversation centered on cultivating a Catholic model of healthcare that aligns with community needs while addressing the distractions posed by competitive academic pressures.
Vania Dsouza introduced a transformative Rural Sensitization Program, which immerses doctors in rural settings to engage directly with communities. This initiative offers a one-year fellowship aimed at providing medical students with a reflective break from their rigorous studies, allowing them to reassess their professional aspirations in light of real-world health challenges.
The final session on day two emphasized Human Dignity as the cornerstone for outreach and care for all individuals in need. Dr. Mario Vaz articulated how human dignity underpins human rights, advocating for justice within communities and ecological systems. Contributions from various speakers enriched this dialogue, exploring perspectives from different religions and philosophical traditions that affirm the sanctity of human life.
Fr Charles Davis shared the meaning of Human Dignity from other Religions and perspectives. Fr Arnald Mahesh talked about the philosophical and theological underpinnings of Human Dignity and the evolution of its understanding from Greek times to the present. Fr Christopher Vimalraj placed Human dignity in the context of Church moral teaching and Catholic bioethics, that provides the mandate to care for every individual respectful of his inherent and unalienable dignity, created in the image of God.
As the colloquium concluded, plans were laid out for future initiatives by the CCBI Bioethics Forum, focusing on collaborative efforts to deepen understanding of Catholic bioethics across regions. The forum aims to utilize published healthcare directives as foundational tools for ethical decision-making support among healthcare providers.This gathering not only fostered dialogue but ignited a collective commitment to serve those who are often overlooked, reinforcing the belief that every individual deserves compassionate care rooted in dignity and respect.
Dr. Olinda Timms is Secretary – Communications, Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI)
Bioethics Forum.