Date: March 12, 2026
Organised by: Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI) in partnership with The Centre for Bioethics and CIHSR, Dimapur.

The Doctors Section of Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI) successfully launched the first session of its new webinar series, "Understanding Practical Bioethics," focusing on the critical and sensitive topic of "Withdrawing and Withholding Life-Support."

A Timely Discussion in a Changing Legal Landscape
The session was hosted by Dr Abhijeet Sangma (Secretary, Doctors Section, CMAI), who opened the webinar by highlighting the historic shift in India’s legal landscape following recent Supreme Court rulings on passive euthanasia. In an era where the judiciary is urging the government for formal laws, the webinar served as a vital bridge between legal headlines and bedside clinical practice.

The session was moderated by Dr Roopa Verghese (Executive Director, Centre for Bioethics) and featured Dr Ashita Rebecca Singh (Head of Palliative Care, EHA) as the resource person.

Core Insights and Ethical Frameworks
Dr Ashita Singh guided the participants through the Johnson’s Four-Box Approach, a practical tool used to navigate ethical dilemmas by evaluating:
- Medical Indications: The facts of the diagnosis and prognosis.
- Quality of Life: Assessing the patient's state before and after potential interventions.
- Patient Preferences: Honouring autonomy and "substituted judgment" via family/surrogates.
- Contextual Issues: Understanding financial and social burdens without letting them override ethical priorities.

A key takeaway from the session was the clear distinction between withdrawing/withholding life support (allowing a natural death with dignity) and euthanasia (the intentional act of causing death). Dr. Ashita emphasized that withdrawing and withholding life support hold the same ethical standing and are aimed at minimizing futile suffering.

A Diverse and Participatory Audience
The webinar saw an impressive turnout with 160 participants joining from across the country. The audience represented a broad spectrum of the healthcare community:
- 50% Doctors
- 20% Nurses
- 30% Allied Health Professionals (AHP), Hospital Administrators, and Chaplains.

The session was highly participatory and interactive. Rather than a traditional lecture, the webinar utilized real-time polls and case studies (such as the scenarios of "Mr. Kumar" and "Mr. Ramesh") to engage the audience. Participants actively debated ethical choices in the chat box, reflecting on their own clinical experiences and the emotional weight of end-of-life decisions.

Looking Ahead
This session marks the beginning of a monthly series dedicated to empowering healthcare providers with ethical clarity.
The next webinar in this series will dive deeper into the Legal Aspects of Withdrawing and Withholding Life Support, featuring Dr. Ashita Singh and Advocate Siju Thomas of ADF India.

About CMAI TRIHS
The CMAI Training & Research Institute for Health Sciences (TRIHS) is a 8,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility established as an income-generating centre for CMAI. The centre plans to conduct healthcare skill development programs in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Apex Skill development centre for healthcare. One position for a Business Development Manager (BDM) is vacant to be based at TRIHS.

Location: Saduperi, Tamil Nadu

Nature of job: The Business Development Manager (BDM) will be responsible for leading, driving, and scaling TRIHS as a sustainable income-generating centre. The role requires strategic leadership, revenue generation expertise, partnership development, CSR fundraising capabilities, and operational oversight to ensure optimal utilisation of the training facility. The BDM will design and execute innovative revenue models while aligning with CMAI’s mission-driven healthcare objectives.

Qualifications & Requirements preferred:
Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Health, Healthcare

Key Roles & Responsibilities:
Geriatric Care Aide – Short Term Courses
First Aid training and Basic Life Support (BLS) Trainings
Short Courses in Disaster Preparedness
Community-based health and capacity-building initiatives
TRIHS aims to evolve into a financially sustainable hub for healthcare training, research, and CSR-funded community projects.

Key Responsibilities
1. Revenue Generation & Strategy
Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy for TRIHS.
2. Training Partnerships & Program Expansion
Strengthen collaboration with Tamil Nadu Apex Skill development centre for healthcare.
3. CSR & Grant Mobilisation
Conceptualise community-based bespoke healthcare projects eligible for CSR funding.
4. Facility Optimisation & Centre Management
Ensure optimal utilisation of the 8,000 sq. ft. facility.
5. Marketing & Outreach
Develop marketing strategies (digital, institutional, and field-level).
6. Monitoring & Reporting
Track KPIs related to enrolment, revenue, partnerships, and CSR mobilisation.
8.Competencies & Skills
Strategic thinking and entrepreneurial mindset.

Performance Indicators
- Revenue growth and financial sustainability of TRIHS.
- Number and quality of strategic partnerships.
- CSR funds mobilised annually.
- Training enrolment and completion rates.
- Facility utilisation rate.

Age limit: 40 -50 years Salary and perks: As per the CMAI rules. 
Send in your detailed CV and application to: The Dy Administrative Manager, CMAI, Plot No: 2, A3 Local Shopping Centre, Janakpuri, New Delhi – 110058. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so interested candidates should apply immediately.

Position Overview: One position is vacant to be based at MIBE, Nagpur

Qualifications and requirements:
- B. Com + 5 years experience OR equivalent.
- Strong foundation in Accountancy,
- Technical Skills such as Tally and MS Office required.

Reporting to: Secretary, MIBE

Age limit: Should be at least 25 years of age.

Salary and perks: As per the CMAI rules. 

Send in your detailed CV and application to:
The Dy. Administrative Manager, CMAI, Plot No: 2, A3 Local Shopping Centre, Janakpuri, New Delhi – 110058. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so interested candidates should apply immediately.