Workforce Distribution and Human Resource Challenges in Faith-Based Hospitals: Evidence from CHAI-Affiliated Institutions Across India

CHAI-affiliated hospitals face substantial human resource challenges characterised by geographic inequities in workforce distribution, critical shortages in the physician workforce (particularly junior doctors), limited professional development, and inadequate human resource management systems. These challenges threaten institutional sustainability and service delivery capacity, particularly in rural and remote regions. The findings demonstrate that addressing healthcare workforce challenges in faith-based institutions requires comprehensive, multi-level approaches including targeted recruitment and retention strategies, investment in continuing professional development, development of systematic human resource management systems, and policy support at government and sectoral levels.   The distinctive challenge facing faith-based healthcare institutions is that they simultaneously serve high-burden populations (vulnerable, poor, geographically isolated) with limited resources compared to corporate healthcare systems. Strengthening healthcare workforce in faith-based institutions is essential for sustaining equitable healthcare services in underserved regions and advancing universal health coverage goals. Without deliberate workforce strengthening efforts, these critical institutions may experience gradual decline in service capacity, quality, and sustainability, with serious implications for healthcare access and equity in India's underserved regions.

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