Churachandpur, Sept. 27, 2025: The Muolvaiphei Rural Health & Research Centre (MRH&RC) achieved a major milestone today with the inauguration of the Bethesda Hospital & Research Centre at Muolvaiphei, Churachandpur District.
The event, held at Bethesda Chapel at 12:30 PM, was attended by senior officials, church leaders, healthcare professionals, and community representatives. The programme was led by Elder David Lungtau, Board Member, with an opening prayer by Rev. J. Thanglur, Secretary, Missions, ICI. Rev. Dr. V. Lalnghakthang, Chairman of the Board of Governors, delivered the welcome address, followed by a choral presentation from the ICI Central Choir.
The hospital was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Chambo Gonmei, Director of Health Services, Govt. of Manipur, who hailed the project as a vital step toward strengthening healthcare access in the hill districts. He stressed the importance of rural health centres in complementing government initiatives to reach underserved populations, and urged that the new facility remain dedicated to compassionate service - a place for healing patients with care and love, rather than for business.
A dedicatory prayer for the hospital was offered by Rev. Lalneikhup Hmar, Executive Secretary, ICI. Musical performances by the Bethesda Choir enriched the occasion, while Elder Dr. C. Lalbieksang, Vice Chairman, Board of Governors proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a closing prayer and feast dedication by Rev. Dr. James R. Ruolngul, Secretary, Finance & Education, ICI.
Significantly, on 18 September 2025, the Bethesda Hospital & Research Centre received official approval to operate as a 100-bedded healthcare facility, positioning it to provide comprehensive services to the region.
The new hospital builds on the legacy of the Muolvaiphei Rural Health & Research Centre, inaugurated on June 22, 2018, by then Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla. Over the years, the centre has expanded into a hub for healthcare, education, and social services in southern Manipur. It currently operates a School of Nursing, and a College of Nursing.
Its flagship institution, the Bethesda School of Nursing (BSN), established in 1995, is a government-recognised institution offering GNM/ANM up to Bachelor-level courses. BSN students have consistently ranked among the top achievers in examinations conducted by the Manipur Nursing Council, and its graduates now serve in leading hospitals across India and abroad.
The Bethesda Hospital & Research Centre, an undertaking of the Independent Church of India (ICI), now positions the MRH&RC to expand its role from an academic and welfare institution into a full-fledged healthcare provider for Churachandpur and neighbouring districts.
