Christian Community Steps Forward to Save 200-Year-Old Francis Newton Hospital; Submits Memorandum of Demands to Punjab Minorities Commission,
-Christian Community Strongly Demands Waiver of Electricity Bills and Government Financial Aid for the Historic Hospital…
Ferozepur/Chandigarh, May 6 (Alexander D’Souza): The Christian community has mobilized to rescue Ferozepur’s historic Francis Newton Hospital-which has been dedicated to the service of humanity for nearly two centuries (200 years)-from its current financial crisis. On Tuesday (May 5, 2026), a high-level delegation of the Christian community, led by Mr. Isaac Nair-a senior-most member of Christ Church, Sector-18, Chandigarh-held a special meeting with Mr. Jitender Masih Gaurav, Chairman of the Punjab Minorities Commission. During the meeting, they submitted a memorandum of demands seeking the restoration of the hospital.
Providing Services Since 1834; Now Facing Precarious Financial Situation:
In the memorandum submitted to the Chairman, the leaders of the Christian community highlighted that Francis Newton Hospital, established in 1834, has served as a major hub for medical care and humanitarian service throughout this entire border region. However, due to certain unavoidable circumstances, the hospital’s financial condition is currently passing through a highly precarious phase.
The delegation primarily appealed to the Commission to provide relief to this historic public welfare institution by immediately waiving both its outstanding and current electricity bills.
Appeal to the Punjab Government for an Economic Package:
While submitting the memorandum, activists and dignitaries from the Christian community also appealed to the Punjab government for special intervention. They asserted that it is the moral responsibility of both the government and society to prevent the closure of a hospital that has been providing medical treatment to the poor and the general public-without any discrimination-for the past 200 years. Through the Chairman, they have demanded that the Chief Minister of Punjab provide special economic assistance (a financial package) on behalf of the government to ensure the smooth and continued operation of the hospital. Key Participants in the Meeting:
During this significant meeting-which also involved the submission of a memorandum of demands-several prominent leaders and active members of the Christian community were present. These included Mr. Isaac Nair (Most Senior Member, Sector-18 Christ Church, Chandigarh), Mr. Rocky Daniel, Mr. Gladwin Hardy, Mr. Rajiv Atwal, and Advocate Mr. Stephen Masih, among other office bearers.
Mr. Jitendra Masih Gaurav, Chairman of the Punjab Minorities Commission, listened to the delegation with great attention and assured them that he would strongly advocate for the issues and demands concerning this historic hospital before the Punjab government, with the aim of securing relief as expeditiously as possible.
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