Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi

Kochi, Feb 19: Catholic nuns practicing medicine in government hospitals are an uncommon sight in India, but Dr Jean Rose has broken new ground. A member of the Sisters of the Destitute, she is now the first Catholic nun to serve as a medical officer in Kerala’s public healthcare system.

Dr Rose, also known as Rosamma Thomas, joined the government medical service two years ago and currently leads the Family Health Centre in Marayoor, a remote tribal-dominated village in Idukki district. She earned her MBBS and a postgraduate degree in Anesthesia from St John’s Medical College, Bengaluru.

After successfully clearing the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) medical exam, she received her first government appointment at Kattappana Taluk Hospital in 2023. However, her deep connection with Marayoor, where she had worked during her MBBS and National Health Mission (NHM) tenure, led her to seek a transfer back to the region.

“Marayoor has always been close to my heart. Having served here before, I felt a calling to return and contribute to the tribal community,” Dr Rose shared.

The initiative Voice of Nuns, run by the Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS) and the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) Jagratha Commission, confirmed that Dr Rose is the first nun to hold a medical officer position in a government hospital.

In a Facebook post, Voice of Nuns highlighted her dedication to working with marginalized communities. Dr Rose personally requested her posting in Marayoor to serve Adivasi and underprivileged populations.

“As part of a congregation that dedicates itself to serving the needy, my heart is with the poor and underprivileged,” she told the media.

Born into a family with a strong inclination toward social service, Dr Rose spent her early years in Chettuthodu, Kottayam district, actively participating in charitable activities. She is the daughter of Mukalel Thomas and Rosamma, who later settled in Rajakumari, Idukki.