Centre for Empathic Healthcare, India
WHAT WE DO?
VISION
MISSION
- To establish an equitable healthcare system where empathy is the foundation of care delivery, empowering healthcare professionals, researchers, and communities to collaboratively improve health outcomes and promote well-being for all, particularly those with lived experiences from hard-to-reach and marginalized communities.
- Through evidence based research, we will demonstrate how empathy enhances health outcomes, informing policies and practices to foster a more compassionate and effective healthcare system.
- To transform lived experience care through pioneering medical education and training that places empathy at its core, fostering empathy-driven approaches in healthcare, research, and meaningful community engagement.
- By equipping healthcare professionals, researchers, people with lived experience, and the broader community with the skills and insights needed for empathic care, the Centre aims to build inclusive, people-centered healthcare services and system that is equipped to provide high quality and empathic healthcare.
- Our mission is to advance research that generates evidence on the transformative impact of empathy in healthcare, driving policy and practice changes to build a more effective, equitable, and compassionate healthcare system.
About Us
- BACKGROUND
HRIDAY, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare, University of Leicester, is establishing India’s first Centre for Empathic Healthcare. Building on HRIDAY’s leadership in Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI), this Centre will focus on training healthcare professionals, researchers, community members, and people with lived experiences to foster empathy-driven approaches that enhance care outcomes. HRIDAY’s role as the CEI lead on the NIHR Global Health Research Centre (GHRC) for Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTCs) grant and its initiatives as the Secretariat of the Healthy India Alliance (HIA) reflect its commitment to meaningful engagement and involvement. By prioritizing empathy in medical education and training, the Centre aims to transform healthcare into a compassionate, equitable system better equipped for the future.
- Why is empathy important?
Empathy has proven benefits for people with lived experience, including reducing pain, lowering mortality, improving satisfaction, and improving practitioner wellbeing. See Figure 1 below for further details.
- Focus areas of the Centre
The Centre will focus on three domains: research, training and capacity building, and outreach.
- Research: Both on its own and in collaboration with the other members of the International Network (who have jointly published over 1000 peer-reviewed papers), the Centre for Empathic Care, India would undertake research and write publications on empathic care.
- Training and Capacity Building Training modules/courses/resources already available/co-developed by the Centre will be disseminated.
- Outreach: The Centre will reach out to other institutions nationally and internationally.
- Why do we need a Centre now?
Having participated actively in the inaugural International “Educating for Empathy” course in Leicester, UK (April 2024), and given that we are developing an empathy-related course (“From Knowledge to Action: A Practitioner’s Guide to Empathetic and Meaningful Community Engagement”) as a part of the NIHR GHRC for MLTCs, through the Centre we will be able to advance our efforts on empathic care in India. HRIDAY’s work also offers a meaningful contribution to the International Network for Empathy in Healthcare: https://www.internationalempathy.com as a strategic partner. Indian empathy researchers and practitioners can offer context-relevant experience and expertise from a LMIC perspective.
- Activities
- Advisory Board Members
The Advisory Board of the Centre will convene quarterly meetings for 1.5 hours virtually to provide strategic guidance and oversight for its development and operations. Members will support national and international partnerships, serve as faculty in webinars and workshops, and advise on research, curriculum development, and outreach programs. They will guide the alignment of the Centre’s work with International empathy networks, recommend resources, and offer expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessments. Additionally, the Board will provide policy recommendations to integrate empathy into healthcare strategies and enhance the Centre’s contributions to empathic care.
Prof. (Dr) Monika Arora
Executive Director
HRIDAY, New Delhi
Prof. Monika Arora is a public health scientist working in the area of preventing and managing NCDs through health promotion and health advocacy. She is the Vice President (Research and Health Promotion) at the Public Health Foundation of India.
She is the Executive Director of HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth) an NGO working on NCD prevention and control, youth and patient engagement, and hosts the secretariat for Healthy India Alliance (India NCD Alliance). She is the President of NCD Alliance (2023-25), and Chairperson of South East Asia NCD Alliance (2020-23).
She is the Executive Director of HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth) an NGO working on NCD prevention and control, youth and patient engagement, and hosts the secretariat for Healthy India Alliance (India NCD Alliance). She is the President of NCD Alliance (2023-25), and Chairperson of South East Asia NCD Alliance (2020-23).
Prof. (Dr) Anand Krishnan
Member
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Dr. Anand Krishnan, ranked among the top 2% researchers globally by Elsevier for the past three years, has over 360 publications (h-index 61). He is Faculty-in-Charge of the Clinical Epidemiology Unit and a Member of the Deans Research Committee at AIIMS New Delhi. He chairs the Research Review Committee at AIIMS Gorakhpur and is a Member at AIIMS Madurai. He has assessed national research capacity in Bhutan, Timor-Leste, and the Maldives and serves on academic boards at IGNOU, JNU, and the University of Hyderabad. Heading the Centre of Excellence under NPCCHH, he also leads the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community-Based NCD Prevention and has provided technical assistance to WHO and health ministries in Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, and East Timor. He is part of WHO’s COVID Mortality Advisory Group and Influenza Burden Estimation Working Group. Recognized with fellowships from IAPSM, IPHA, and NAMS, he has received multiple awards, including the ICMR-BC Srivastava Award, ICMR-MK Seshadri Award, and SEAPHEIN Public Health Leadership Award.
Prof. (Dr) Kanwal Preet Kochhar
Member
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Dr. K.P. Kochhar is a Professor and Head of the Department of Physiology at AIIMS, New Delhi, with over 35 years of expertise in cognitive neurophysiology, nutrition, and integral health. She specializes in non-invasive neuroimaging, eye tracking, motor neuroscience, and wireless physiological monitoring. Leading the Nutrition Laboratory at AIIMS, her research explores Indian dietary spices, coarse cereals, probiotics, obesity, and food addiction. She is also dedicated to generating scientific evidence on the benefits of yoga, meditation, and traditional lifestyles. Dr. Kochhar established the Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory at AIIMS and collaborates across multiple disciplines. A recipient of the WHO Award for HRIDAY-SHAN, Hindi Science Writing, and Woman Scientist Awards, she has numerous publications in national and international journals. She currently leads the AIIMS Medical Humanities Initiative and PRAKASHMAY and serves on the Fit India Nutrition Committee and the International Naturopathy Organisation.
Dr. Gopal Chauhan
Member
National Health Mission Directorate of Health Services
Government of Himachal Pradesh
Dr. Gopal Chauhan (BSc, MBBS, MBA, MPH), an alumnus of Johns Hopkins University, USA, is currently the State Program Officer at NHM Himachal Pradesh. He serves as a technical resource for NCDs, tobacco control, SDGs, and health budgeting with organizations such as AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER, PHFI, HRIDAY, and the World NCD Federation. A member of the Government of India’s expert committee on tobacco control, NCDs, and STEMI care, he has published over 25 articles and presented research at prestigious conferences worldwide. Dr. Chauhan has been instrumental in integrating NCD prevention strategies, decentralizing chemotherapy and palliative care, and advancing initiatives like Tobacco-Free Panchayats and Health Promotion Policies. His contributions have earned him multiple accolades, including the WHO SEARO Award (2012), Pride of State Award (2013), PM Digital Innovation Award (2018), and the WHO World No Tobacco Day Regional Director Special Recognition (2023). He also mentors NCD programs in countries like Maldives, Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Botswana.
Prof. Rama Baru
Member
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Professor Rama V. Baru is a distinguished academic in social medicine and community health, specializing in health policy, commercialization of medical care, and health inequalities. A former Professor at JNU’s Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health, she is an Honorary Fellow at the Institute of Chinese Studies, Delhi, and an Honorary Professor at Central China Normal University, Wuhan. Her research spans commercialized health services, infectious diseases, and comparative health systems. She has authored several books, including Private Health Care in India and Commercialisation of Medical Care in China. Prof. Baru serves on key health advisory committees, including AIIMS’ Ethics Committee and the ICMR’s Scientific Advisory Group.
Member, STAG Infectious Hazards, WHO, Geneva
Member, STAG Infectious Hazards, WHO, Geneva
Prof. (Dr) Kuldeep Singh
Member
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur
Dr Kuldeep Singh is working as a Professor and Head, Pediatrics. He is also Dean (Academics) at the Institute. His area of interests are Child health, Medical Genetics, Medical Education and Public Health. He is working on multiple projects, notable among them are “Establishing National Inherited Administration (NIDAN) Kendra at AIIMS Jodhpur”, GenomeIndia and OneHealth Consortium. He is also in-charge of India-Sweden Innovation center at AIIMS Jodhpur.
Ms. Radhika Shrivastav
Member
HRIDAY, New Delhi
She is the Senior Director at HRIDAY, Secretariat of the Healthy India Alliance (HIA) (India NCD Alliance), which fosters meaningful engagement of multi-sectoral CSOs to address NCDs, including CSOs, People Living With NCDs (PLWNCDs), and young people. She is the Convenor and Governing Board Member HIA; Member of the WHO Civil Society Working Group on NCDs and; Co-Chair of the Taskforce on Women and NCDs
Dr. Mansi Chopra
Member
HRIDAY, New Delhi
Dr. Mansi Chopra is an experienced Public Health professional with a demonstrated history of working on non-communicable diseases and associated risk factors including diet, physical activity, lifestyle factors, tobacco, and alcohol; energy metabolism; RMNCH and health system strengthening.
She is skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data management, monitoring and evaluation, project management, scientific writing, proposal development, fundraising, networking, and communication. She completed her doctoral studies (PhD) from All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Lady Irwin College, New Delhi, India.
She is skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data management, monitoring and evaluation, project management, scientific writing, proposal development, fundraising, networking, and communication. She completed her doctoral studies (PhD) from All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Lady Irwin College, New Delhi, India.
Ms. Seema Bali
Member (lived experience champion)
Trio World School, Bangalore
At present serving as the Principal of an ICSE school in Bangalore, with 30 years of experience as an educator, 17 years as a public health advocate, and 10 years as climate leader have a career dedicated to social impact and sustainability. As a member of the Global Advisory Committee for the Our Views, Our Voices initiative of the NCD Alliance, have always worked to amplify the voices of those affected by non-communicable diseases. In addition, I am serving as the National Coordinator for the Climate Reality Project, championing climate action and awareness. With a commitment to empowering communities, I extend my passion to bridge education, health advocacy, and environmental leadership to inspire systemic change.
Ms. Mona Balani
Member (lived experience champion)
India HIV/AIDS Alliance
Development sector specialist with 20+ years of experience in HIV/AIDS, TB, and sexual health programs across India. Proven leadership in program management, advocacy, and community system strengthening at national and regional levels. Expertise in policy engagement, resource mobilization, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration with government, civil society, and corporate partners.
Key Skills
✔ Program & Grant Management (Global Fund, WHO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, DFID, OXFAM, and CRS)
✔ Community Mobilization & Leadership Development
✔ Policy Advocacy & Government Engagement
✔ Resource Mobilization & Partnership Development
✔ Technical Expertise in HIV/TB Care & Prevention
✔ Training, Facilitation & Capacity Building
Key Skills
✔ Program & Grant Management (Global Fund, WHO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, DFID, OXFAM, and CRS)
✔ Community Mobilization & Leadership Development
✔ Policy Advocacy & Government Engagement
✔ Resource Mobilization & Partnership Development
✔ Technical Expertise in HIV/TB Care & Prevention
✔ Training, Facilitation & Capacity Building
Mrs. Yangchen Dolma
Member (lived experience champion)
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Yangchen Dolma is a Senior Nursing Officer at AIIMS New Delhi, a Healthcare Improvement Coach, and NQAS External Assessor for MoHFW. She is the State President of TNAI Delhi (2024–2028) and a research contributor to the Kidney Warrior Foundation. With a GNM, Post Basic B.Sc., M.Sc. in Community Health Nursing, and a Ph.D. in progress at IIHMR Jaipur, she has published research, co-compiled the QPS Handbook, and developed a kidney transplant health guide. She trains healthcare professionals in QI, DGHS Skill Development, and home-based care. Actively engaged in preventive health initiatives, she also contributed to COVID-19 response efforts. Her awards include Best Community Health Nurse (2016), Women Empowerment Award (2022), and Best Nurse OPD Services (2023).
Dr. Dipti Mathur
Member (lived experience champion)
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur
With a foundation in clinical dentistry (BDS) and an MPH from AIIMS Jodhpur, I have seamlessly transitioned from hands-on patient care to impactful research. Over seven years of clinical practice, I cultivated a deep understanding of patient needs, which now fuels my passion for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension awareness.
My expertise spans drug and device trials, as well as qualitative and quantitative patient research, allowing me to contribute to evidence-based healthcare advancements. Currently, as a Research Scientist specializing in STIs, I navigate the intersection of public health, epidemiology, and data analysis, leveraging insights to drive meaningful change.
With a keen analytical mindset, I am passionate about translating data into actionable health strategies, ensuring research transforms into real-world impact.
My expertise spans drug and device trials, as well as qualitative and quantitative patient research, allowing me to contribute to evidence-based healthcare advancements. Currently, as a Research Scientist specializing in STIs, I navigate the intersection of public health, epidemiology, and data analysis, leveraging insights to drive meaningful change.
With a keen analytical mindset, I am passionate about translating data into actionable health strategies, ensuring research transforms into real-world impact.
DR. SAURABH GUPTA
CONVENOR
HRIDAY, New Delhi
Dr. Saurabh Kumar Gupta is a dedicated public health professional with extensive experience in public health research. He completed his PhD from PGIMER, Chandigarh. His work primarily focuses on Non-Communicable diseases. He is proficient in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, data management, monitoring and evaluation, project management, scientific writing, and proposal development. He has published various manuscript in various national and international journal. He is proficient in STATA, SPSS and NVivo. His contributions to public health have been recognized with various awards, including the prestigious International travel fellowships and Young Scientist award from the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi.