Emmanuel Hospital
Association (EHA)
India, Asia
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) is a network of 21 hospitals and 27 community health projects spread across northern and central India. Founded with a mission to care for poor communities regardless of caste, creed, or race, EHA is dedicated to providing healthcare in some of India's most underserved regions. The association was established to address the dire health needs of these areas, where many people suffer and die from preventable diseases and health complications related to malnutrition and inadequate prenatal care.EHA's network of hospitals offers a full range of clinical services, including obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, general surgery, urology, and family medicine. The hospitals serve a catchment population of nearly seven million people, treating over 500,000 patients annually. In 2005, EHA hospitals recorded 55,953 inpatient admissions, 6,431 major surgical procedures, 7,756 eye surgeries, and 16,029 supervised deliveries, including 12,346 high-risk pregnancies. EHA is committed to transforming communities through health and development programs.
Technology & Capacity:
EHA hospitals are equipped with essential medical facilities, including clinical laboratories, radiology, and ultrasound services. The association employs 118 physicians, 453 nurses, and 139 community health staff, most of whom have chosen to work with EHA over more lucrative opportunities in larger cities or abroad. Many EHA physicians have received postgraduate medical training in the US and Europe, complemented by hundreds of volunteer physicians from these regions annually.
Church and Governance:
EHA operates as a fellowship of Christian institutions and individuals, existing to transform communities through caring. The association's mission is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, focusing on serving the poor and marginalized. Each hospital within EHA is a separate registered charitable society, fostering accountability and mutual assistance among them.
Training Opportunities:
EHA offers extensive training and volunteer opportunities in medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, hospital administration, and public health. The association hosts about 100 health profession students annually, providing placements that range from 4 to 16 weeks. Training includes hands-on clinical work under constant supervision, with assignments tailored to the size and location of the chosen hospital.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Practitioners
Surgeons
Pediatricians
Obstetricians/Gynecologists
Public Health Specialists
Language:
Hindi is the primary language spoken in northern India. All doctors and most staff speak some English, and translators are available for patients who speak only Hindi.
Housing & Food:
Each EHA hospital has guest accommodations with meal preparation facilities for volunteers and health profession students. Upon arrival in Delhi, students are taken shopping for appropriate clothing before proceeding to their assigned hospitals.
Travel:
Visitors fly into Delhi, where they attend an orientation session before traveling to their assignments. EHA arranges transportation via train to the respective hospitals, where staff members meet and transport visitors. At the end of their assignments, students and volunteers return to Delhi for a debriefing session. Travel and sightseeing in India are encouraged at the end of the assignment, with referrals to reputable travel agents available.
Time Difference:
India operates on Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30.
People and Local Religion:
EHA serves a diverse population, including extremely poor patients, many of whom are Muslims and women and girls who traditionally receive substandard care. The association's work focuses on providing essential health services to these disadvantaged groups.
Climate:
The climate in the regions served by EHA is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) to over 45°C (115°F) during the height of summer. December and January are cooler, especially in mountainous areas like Landor Community Hospital in Uttaranchal, where overnight temperatures can drop below 5°C (40°F).
Unique Challenges:
EHA addresses a range of health issues, including preventable infections, tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, diarrhea, malnutrition, and complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. The association also focuses on emerging health threats such as HIV/AIDS. Many patients present very late in the course of their illnesses due to financial constraints, making timely medical intervention critical.
Evangelism Opportunities:
EHA integrates spiritual care into its services, aiming to manifest Jesus Christ through word and deed. Volunteers and staff have the opportunity to share their faith and provide spiritual support to patients and their families, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare.
For further details, visit the Emmanuel Hospital Association website.