The meeting was graced by Most Rev. Bernard Laloo, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong and newly appointed Chairman of the Health Commission, alongside Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, CSC, Bishop of Agartala and former Chairman.
Rev. Sr. Laliamma Mathew, SCCG (President), Fr. James Tangshel (Vice-President), and Rev. Sr. Karishma, SJC (Board Member) extended a warm welcome to Bishop Laloo and expressed gratitude to Bishop Monteiro for his dedicated leadership in strengthening the Church’s healthcare outreach across the region.
Bishop Bernard Laloo was elected Chairman of the Health Commission during the NEIRBC Annual meeting held in Tezpur from March 3–6, 2026.
The programme was coordinated by Fr. Esack Rayappan, Regional Secretary of the Health Commission and Executive Director of NECHA, in consultation with the Governing Board members. The meeting commenced with a welcome address by the Chair, followed by detailed presentations, discussions, and clarifications on various reports, operational concerns, and future priorities of the Commission.
During the deliberations, Bishop Lumen Monteiro offered an important clarification on governance, stating, “The Regional Secretary of the Health Commission is appointed by the President of the NEIRBC, and he shall also serve as the Executive Director of NECHA, as it is a registered society, appointed by the President of NECHA.”
In a brief personal note, Bishop Monteiro shared his personal health update following a recent cardiac procedure, the bishop has been advised a period of reduced stress and adequate rest. He noted that this required him to step away temporarily from certain office responsibilities and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the prayers and support extended during his recovery.
NECHA, functioning under NEIRBC, continues to play a vital role in coordinating the Church’s healthcare ministry across Northeast India. Its initiatives include rural health programmes, alternative medicine, health education, and care services for persons affected by HIV/AIDS, leprosy, addiction, and other physical and mental health challenges, particularly among the poor and underserved.
The meeting concluded with closing messages from Bishop Bernard Laloo, Bishop Lumen Monteiro, and the President of NECHA, Rev. Sr. Laliamma Mathew, reaffirming the Church’s mission of compassionate healing as an expression of the Gospel in the region.
Reported by Fr. Esack Rayappan, NECHA.