History of
Evangelical Mission Hospital, Baitalpur

1949 - 1960

Founding and Early Years

The Evangelical Mission Hospital, Baitalpur was started by Mr. William Baur and his wife as a small dispensary for general patients in the village of Baitalpur, in the central northern region of Chhattisgarh. Baitalpur has an approximate population of 3,000 and is widely recognized for its long history of humanitarian health work dating back to British-era medical missions.

1961 – 1980

Period of struggle, recognition & growth

Over the decades, many doctors contributed to the healing ministry through Evangelical Mission Hospital Baitalpur, including Dr. G. S. Patrick, Dr. H. H. Gass, Dr. Paul, Dr. J. Christian, Dr. Prem Dan Singh and Dr. Prem Jiwanmall.

During its early decades, the facility faced periods of closure due to shortage of doctors until the arrival of missionary doctor Dr. Ruth Catton in 1969. She served as the ‘Medical Superintendent’ and ‘Consultant Paediatrician’ in the hospital from 1969 to 1992. During the period 1969-1980, the hospital was widely recognized for its ‘Maternity and Child Health’ services. The services of these doctors helped the hospital to survive through difficult times, building a reputation for compassionate, Christ-centered care in a rural setting.

1981 – 2000

Period of stability

In 1971, Dr. Ruth Catton was joined by a young doctor Dr. Kusum Masih as a ‘Medical Officer’. In 1982, Dr. Kusum was sponsored by the ‘Eastern Regional Board of Health Services’ for ‘Diploma in Obs & Gyanae ’ in CMC Ludhiana. She rejoined her services as a Gynaecologist in 1985. In 1992, Dr. Ruth Catton decided to retire and left for Benzonia.

2001 – 2022

Ongoing Mission

Before leaving, Dr.Ruth Catton handed over the responsibility of the hospital to Dr.Kusum Masih as the ‘Director’ and ‘Consultant Gynaecologist’ with efffect from 1992. She retired in 2005 but continued to serve this rural hospital on request of the management as there was no senior doctor willing to take the responsibility. She was relieved from her services in 2024, after 53 years of service in the mission hospital.

In last four decades, several medical practitioners have joined hands with Dr.Masih and made valuable contributions to EMH Baitalpur, including Dr.Kiran Misal (first sponsored candidate of ERBHS), Dr.Hanu George, Dr.Arnob Mohanty, Dr.Dipti Londhe, Dr.Divya Arnold, Dr.Namrata Wany, Dr.Raunak Milton and Dr.Sophia Nag. Through their service, the hospital continues its long-standing mission of providing compassionate, affordable and quality healthcare in the name of Christ.