In the context of the rising health care costs and poverty, CHAI initiated programmes to directly help the poor and the vulnerable.

• Sponsoring Programmes for Children, Women and the Elderly
• Sponsoring Continuing Medical Education

Founded in 1943 by Sr Mary Glowrey, an Australian sister-doctor, the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), is today one of the world's largest non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Adopting Community Health as its focus, CHAI has been successfully implementing community health interventions throughout India. CHAI has an expansive base of over 3,300 Member Institutions (MIs) including 484 large hospitals, more than 2000 medium as well as small hospitals and health centres, 121diocesan social service societies, 27 Nursing schools and 52 Leprosy centers. CHAI's massive network comprises 11 Regional Units, 1000 sister-doctors, 25,000 sister-nurses and 10,000 plus para- professionals who effectively render succor and support to the needy and the poor.

Towards empowering individuals at the grassroots level through appropriate skill development leading to gainful employment in alliance with local industry and community, CHAI start the CHAI Community College. This college offers programmes tailored to local needs and community-based requirements.