Annual General Meeting 2026

Review of the Year:

The 2026 Annual General Meeting of Friends of Ludhiana provided an opportunity to reflect on another year of significant progress for both the charity and Christian Medical College (CMC) Ludhiana.  Alumni and supporters from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland and India came together to renew longstanding friendships, celebrate their shared connection with CMC and reaffirm their commitment to supporting its mission of excellence in healthcare, education and service.  The meeting also recognised the invaluable contribution of former leaders, whose dedication has helped shape the organisation over many decades. A key theme throughout the meeting was the importance of engaging the next generation of alumni to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the charity.

During the year, Friends of Ludhiana continued to direct financial support towards projects that deliver tangible improvements in patient care and clinical services.  Over the past 18 months, grants included £31,500 towards laparoscopic equipment, £9,200 for urodynamic equipment, £11,000 for a dental outreach vehicle and additional funding for ultrasound equipment, dental chairs and maternal health initiatives.  The charity also contributed £10,000 to the Good Samaritan Fund across 2025 and 2026, enabling CMC to provide treatment for patients who would otherwise be unable to meet the cost of their care.  These investments demonstrate the charity’s continued commitment to supporting both the development of clinical services and access to healthcare for the most disadvantaged members of the community.

The Trustees also noted the continuing challenge of sustaining charitable income.  While the charity continues to benefit from the generosity of a committed group of supporters, the number of regular donors has declined significantly over recent years.  Expanding the donor base, particularly through greater engagement with younger alumni and new supporters, will therefore remain an important strategic priority.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Dr William Bhatti, who outlined the remarkable transformation of CMC Ludhiana since 2018. The institution has successfully moved from a financial deficit to a surplus in 2026 through disciplined financial management and prudent operational planning.  Bank borrowings have been reduced, supplier liabilities have fallen substantially, and the institution’s net worth has improved from a negative position to a positive. These achievements have restored financial stability while ensuring continuity of services and preserving employment throughout a challenging period. The improved financial position has enabled substantial investment across the hospital and educational campus. Clinical departments have benefited from extensive refurbishment and the introduction of modern medical equipment, while infrastructure improvements have included a new electrical substation, a 500 kV solar energy installation and upgraded patient reception and waiting areas.  Investment has also continued in education, with increased nursing student intake, enhanced teaching facilities, growing research activity and national recognition of the dental college as one of India’s leading private dental institutions.

Quality improvement remains central to CMC’s long-term strategy.  The hospital is progressing towards full NABH accreditation, reflecting its commitment to clinical governance, patient safety and continuous quality improvement.  Government-supported programmes now provide free stroke interventions and funded bone marrow transplantation for eligible patients, while Friends of Ludhiana continues to support critical maternal care through dedicated funding for high-risk obstetric patients. Throughout his presentation, Dr Bhatti reaffirmed CMC’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the careful stewardship of donor funds.

The meeting also considered opportunities to strengthen international collaboration. A proposal was presented to develop a structured UK-based subspecialty fellowship programme, enabling postgraduate trainees to gain advanced clinical experience with alumni working within the NHS before returning to CMC. The proposed initiative would strengthen specialist training, promote research collaboration, enhance clinical governance and encourage greater involvement of alumni in teaching and professional development. The proposal received strong support and reflected the growing commitment of the global alumni community to contribute their expertise in support of CMC’s future development.

The Annual General Meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening alumni engagement, expanding fundraising, increasing volunteer participation and developing partnerships that will further support CMC Ludhiana’s mission. The Trustees remain grateful to all members, donors and volunteers whose continued generosity and commitment enable Friends of Ludhiana to make a lasting contribution to healthcare, education and patient care in India.