South Asia & Middle East
Nurses and midwives in South Asia play a vital role in providing health services as the first and sometimes only point of care. They are the cornerstone of an increasingly strong, resilient health system.
The nursing profession in South Asia goes back to ancient times. Ancient records mention the presence of hospitals with doctors and nurses in the 4th century BCE in Sri Lanka as well as within universities in India and Pakistan. When modern medicine came to South Asia in the colonial era, organised formal training in nursing began to be imparted but evidence of nurses and doctors are found during the time of Emperor Ashoka’s reign in ancient India. Today nurses and midwives are the cornerstone of an increasingly strong and resilient health system.Christian nurses in South Asia and Middle East Region (SAME) have National Fellowships in number of countries. Member countries are: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. There are also contacts in Middle East countries since many nurses from South Asia are working there.
Member countries in South Asia & Middle East
Bangladesh
Current President: Rekha Folia
Bangladesh Nurses’ Christian Fellowship (NCFB) started in the late 1990’s when two members from the Evangelical Nurses’ Fellowship of India (ENFI), Dora Abraham and Dr. Esther Sirra, visited with the purpose of helping Bangladesh nurses form their own NCF. At the NCI International conference in Scotland, in 2000, Bangladesh was officially admitted as an NCFI member country.
NCFB’s purpose is to help nurses have a personal relationship with Jesus as Saviour; increase prayer, fellowship and Bible learning among nurses; encourage nurses to practice their faith in the workplace; and establish NCF groups throughout Bangladesh.
Current President is Rekha Folia
India
Evangelical Nurses Fellowship of India
Current President: Mrs Mabel Kuruvilla
The Evangelical Nurses Fellowship of India ENFI was born in 1964 as an interdenominational Christian Organisation in India for Nurses, as a result of the work and prayers of Sr Lilly Borner and others. The aim was to present to nurses the Living Christ so that they may come to a personal experience of Him as saviour, Lord and God through the new birth.
There are ENF units in 12 states in India. Activities include: regular Bible study and Prayer Fellowships, leadership training, discipleship training, local and national conferences, and other educational and fellowship activities. During Covid 19 lockdown there are online prayer fellowships and Bible studies. NEFI is proving physical and spiritual support for nurses who are at the forefront in caring for the sick.
Nepal
President: Roshani Khatry
Email: nncf25@gmail.com
Cuba held its second National Conference in 2019, on March 24 and 25 in Havana. The topic, which was presented by Gladys G Altamirano and Cecilia Rivas C. was titled: The 6 C in Nursing Care. This was very well received. We commend Dargelia Oquendo, Maite Oreilly and Juanita Guerra, for their efforts. They work hard, with commitment and love.
Currently, Claudia Stevens, one of the young leaders, has promised to work with the Next Generation. This country is already an official member of the NCFI.
Welcome to Pakistan, where Christian nurses are committed to serving God through compassionate nursing, professional excellence, and Christ-centered leadership. Pakistan Nurses Christian Fellowship encourages spiritual growth, fellowship, education, and service, empowering nurses to be faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ while making a positive impact in healthcare and our communities and inspire nurses to be the hands and feet of Christ in every healthcare setting across our nation.
History
The Region was formed in 2010 as Central Asia Middle East (CAME) through the efforts of Ms. Stacy Saha and Dr. Barbara Parfitt working in Bangladesh, Ms. Chinnamma Mathew from India, and Mr. Sarfraz Asif from Pakistan. They visited Kathmandu, Nepal in 2011 where they met Ms Rebbeca Sinha, and the new NCFI Region was established.
The pioneers for this region organized the first NCFI CAME Regional Conference in October, 2011 in Nepal. At the first Regional Forum, the name CAME was changed to South Asia and Middle East (SAME) Region with consensus of all present members and audience.