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‘I'll kill them': outrage at nurses' anti-Israeli taunt
Two nurses in New South Wales, Australia, are facing criminal and health prosecutions after a video surfaced on social media showing them making violent and discriminatory remarks against Israeli patients. The video, which drew widespread condemnation from political, medical, and community leaders, led to urgent audits of patient care at their workplace. In the video, one nurse claimed to send Israeli patients "to hell," while the other stated intentions to deny treatment and harm them.
By: Jack Gramenz, Luke Costin
Catholic health team from Pakistan visits Mater to find ways to help serve the sick and poor
A Catholic health team from St Elizabeth Hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan, visited Mater Mothers' Hospital and Mater Private Hospital in Brisbane as part of a fact-finding mission to enhance healthcare services in Pakistan. The visit, led by Father Robert McCulloch and hospital administrator Eric Siraj, focused on learning from Australian medical practices to implement feasible improvements in Pakistan despite financial limitations. The partnership is bolstered by overseas funding, particularly from Australia, which has enabled significant advancements.
By: Staff Writers
Catholic Archdiocese begs for pardon
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) is currently investigating allegations of medical malpractice and wrongful death involving 21-year-old Isaiah Benedicto Williams, who died during a procedure at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital. The investigation commenced with a preliminary hearing at the LMDC headquarters on January 10, 2025, attended by the deceased’s family and hospital representatives. Chaired by Prof. Peter S. Coleman, the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee is leading the inquiry, ensuring a thorough and transparent process. The LMDC has called for public patience and reaffirmed its commitment to justice and credibility throughout the ongoing investigation.
By: Wise Wesseh
Medical Students at Ugandan Catholic Institution Cautioned Against Prioritizing Monetary Gain in Their Service
At the 10th graduation ceremony of St. Francis Schools of Health Sciences in Uganda, Fr. John Chrysostom Maviiri advised medical graduates to prioritize ethical practices over financial gain. In his homily, he highlighted corruption in the medical field, such as the unethical promotion of certain pharmacies for personal profit. He emphasized the importance of focusing on patient welfare rather than monetary rewards. Fr. Maviiri urged the graduates to emulate St. Francis of Assisi, who is celebrated for his commitment to serving the poor. He also cautioned against unethical practices like fabricating diagnoses for financial gain and stressed the importance of patience and spirituality in medical practice. The ceremony reinforced the message that the true reward for health workers lies in the health and betterment of their patients.
By: Silas Isenjia
Asia/ Pakistan- Expansion of the Catholic Hospital in Hyderabad: at the service of the unborn and the terminally ill
St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan, managed by the Catholic Diocese, is expanding to include ten new rooms and a nursing area by Christmas 2024, enhancing its services for underprivileged patients. Father Robert McCulloch, Vice-President of the Hospital Board, celebrates this development alongside the Bishop of Hyderabad, Samson Shukardin, who inaugurated the new ward. The hospital, noted for its free home palliative care service for terminally ill patients of all faiths, also includes the St. Elizabeth School of Midwifery, which offers education and employment opportunities to local girls. This expansion is supported by international donations, emphasizing the hospital's commitment to human dignity at all stages of life.
By: Agenzia Fides
24 Hour Catholic Health Hotline, a ministry of love
The Archdiocese of Port of Spain’s Catholic Health Hotline provides a 24-hour spiritual and emotional support service, offering a compassionate safety net for those facing illness, aging, grief, and distress. Designed as a ministry of love, it aims to bring the Church’s love, mercy, and compassion to individuals in need, ensuring that no one faces their darkest moments alone. The hotline offers a wide range of services, including prayer, home and hospital visits, Sacraments like Reconciliation and Holy Communion, and the Anointing of the Sick. Azania Durham, the hotline's administrator, describes it as a "living testament" to the Church's dedication to spiritual care, offering support through prayer, companionship, and the Sacraments at any time.
By: Kaelanne Jordan
Kenya Expands Taifa Care Program, Collaborates with Faith-Based Healthcare Stakeholders
Kenya's Ministry of Health is making strides toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the expansion of the Taifa Care program and the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA). Faith-based healthcare organizations, especially in rural areas, play a vital role in delivering care where other services may be absent. The Ministry emphasized ongoing collaborations with faith-based stakeholders, acknowledging their importance in ensuring equitable healthcare access. Challenges, including delayed payments, were addressed during discussions with key healthcare leaders, with the Ministry committing to improving operational efficiency and mobilizing resources to address these issues.
By: Devdiscourse News Desk
Nursing and midwifery college a beacon of hope for South Sudan
Since its founding in 2009, The Catholic Health Training Institute (CHTI) has trained 324 healthcare professionals, specializing in nursing and midwifery. The institute fosters unity by admitting students from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds across the country. It offers both professional training and holistic development, integrating environmental education and organic farming practices. Supported by Solidarity with South Sudan, CHTI has earned a reputation as the best nursing and midwifery college in the country. CHTI’s mission extends beyond education, aiming to inspire a united South Sudan through dignity, equity, and unity.
By: Scholasticah Nganda
Nicaraguan dictatorship bans priests from anointing the sick in hospitals
The Nicaraguan government, under President Ortega, has banned priests from administering the anointing of the sick in public hospitals, marking a new chapter in the regime's persecution of Catholics. Lawyers and exiled Nicaraguan activists, have been speaking out against these measures, documenting the growing repression. Priests are reportedly under surveillance, with some facing threats and forced exile, including one priest who fled after receiving death threats. Over 250 persecuted Catholics, including bishops and seminarians, now live in exile, some finding refuge in Rome. The NGO "Nicaragua Never Again" reports that the regime has shut down over 1,200 religious entities, calling it the worst repression of the Catholic Church in the country’s history.
By: Rome Reports
New Zealand's leader formally apologizes to survivors of abuse in state and church care
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon issued a formal apology for the abuse, neglect, and torture endured by around 200,000 children and vulnerable adults in state, foster, and faith-based care institutions over seven decades. A major inquiry revealed that many of those in care, especially Māori, suffered unimaginable harm in church-run facilities, alongside state-run institutions. He apologized for both past and present governments' failures. The inquiry’s recommendations included calling for apologies from church leaders, including Pope Francis, and endorsing the creation of offices to prosecute abusers. Survivors emphasized that meaningful healing would require not only apologies but concrete actions to prevent future abuse, including reforms in faith-based care.
By: Charlotte Graham-Mclay
“God's blessing to the people”: Catholic Archbishop in Cameroon Says New Hospital will Reduce Suffering.
The newly inaugurated St. Blaise Catholic Hospital in Bamenda, Cameroon, aims to provide essential healthcare to residents who previously traveled long distances for treatment. During the September 18 opening, Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea emphasized that the facility, equipped with specialists will reduce transportation costs for locals. The six-floor hospital includes an outpatient department, diagnostic labs, and imaging facilities, along with a 120-bed capacity. Archbishop Nkea described the hospital as a "blessing" and part of the Catholic Church's commitment to serve both body and spirit, continuing the healing mission of Jesus Christ. Initial services will be accessible, with free consultations for the first six months and a 20% discount on bed fees.
By: Jude Atemanke
Vatican wrong to open door to euthanasia says LCP whistleblower
A former hospital doctor in Malta who is now an archdiocese speaks out about the Pontifical Academy of Life’s statement that in some situations, euthanasia is acceptable. He strongly disagrees with depriving patients of food and nutrients, particularly the elderly. Moreover, he says that the motivation is to reduce costs. He hosted a lecture on LCP, Liverpool Care Pathway, which delivers euthanasia, and explained how it abuses its power over patients. His lecture prompted families to come forward with their experiences of abuse under LCP. As a result, the government requested an inquiry, and as a result of the inquiry, the LCP was abolished.
By: Simon Caldwell
Italy's abortion divisions sharpen under Melonis leadership
The article discusses the challenges women face in Italy, a predominantly Catholic country, when seeking an abortion. It highlights the experience of an Italian singer, who described how a gynecologist aggressively questioned her decision to have an abortion and falsely claimed she was further along in her pregnancy, despite her insistence that it was not possible due to her long-distance relationship. The woman felt judged by healthcare workers, and when she experienced intense pain before the procedure, her suffering was ignored.
By: Alvise Armellini, Claudia Cristoferi, Yesim Dikmen
Help for those accompanying Catholics facing end of life decisions
Australian Catholic Bishops have released the Companion Guide to better inform patients and their loved ones about euthanasia. The document was made after consulting Church leaders and health workers. Catholic Health Australia believes that more funding and attention should be placed in palliative care. The justification is that without adequate palliative care options, patients may seek euthanasia because of the lack of alternatives.
By: ACBC, CHA
Missouri abortion ban wasn’t about lawmakers imposing religious beliefs, judge says
Several religious groups filed a case against Missouri enforcing its abortion law because it was said to violate the constitution. They are particularly referring to a section that references God and the right to life. Even though the language appears to be religious, the judge says that belief that life starts at conception isn’t inherently religious. Missouri’s abortion law is that unless there is a medical emergency it is a crime to perform an abortion, with repercussions to women who have these procedures done as well.
By: AP News
Pope Francis again uses slur for gay priests in Vatican: Italian media
A month ago, the pope used an offensive word to describe gay priests in the Vatican, and he has since used the slur in a meeting with bishops. He apologized for his statements and said that he did not intend to be offensive. In the meeting, he expresses that the LGBTQ+ community is welcomed to the church but he has reservations about them becoming seminarians.
By: Guiseppe Fonte
Transgender 18-year old attemps top surgery on himself at home due to lack of access
Several religious groups filed a case against Missouri enforcing its abortion law because it was said to violate the constitution. They are particularly referring to a section that references God and the right to life. Even though the language appears to be religious, the judge says that belief that life starts at conception isn’t inherently religious. Missouri’s abortion law is that unless there is a medical emergency it is a crime to perform an abortion, with repercussions to women who have these procedures done as well
By: RNZ News
The Role of the Catholic Church in Healthcare Provision Globally
The article discusses the significant role of the Catholic Church in global healthcare provision. It highlights that the Church contributes to about 25% of healthcare services worldwide highlighting the historical importance of Catholic hospitals, particularly those established by Irish Nuns. It also mentions the challenges faced by Catholic healthcare institutions in maintaining their faith values while facing pressure to provide services that conflict with their beliefs.
By: Matt Moran