Three-door knocks in one night altered Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s path in life and forever changed the course of history for Vellore and all of India.

In 1890, young Ida was faced with the difficult reality of inequalities in health care for women in Vellore, India. Three men knocking at her door in search of medical assistance for their pregnant wives refused the care of her father, a male physician. The three young mothers died, rattling Dr. Scudder and propelling her to a life of medical service for women and the underserved.

After that fateful evening, Ida set out to educate female healthcare workers and established what is now one of India’s best medical colleges and hospitals. Fast-forward 131 years later, Vellore is now lauded for its progress in maternal and child health, with 98 of 100 children likely to see their fifth birthday.

Unfortunately, in the Jawadhi Hills - just 50km outside of Vellore - mothers and children are still suffering the consequences of inadequate access to healthcare. Unable to travel to Vellore in the middle of the night for a safe birth delivery, many women and their babies are dying unnecessarily.
The Community Health and Development department at the Christian Medical College (CMC) is responding to the needs of women and children in the Jawdhi Hills by building a 24-hour medical clinic in the region. With this fully equipped and staffed hospital in place, CMC’s care will dramatically reduce the mortality rate of women during childbirth, as well as that of their newborns. 

Over the last two years, the Foundation has dedicated its efforts to raise the funds needed to build this life-saving hospital. Today, we are just $68,000 away from reaching our goal of $500,000 and from realizing a dream that will change the lives of many, as they embrace a world where medical care becomes a common part of their daily life.

On the 151st birthday celebration of CMC’s founder, Dr. Ida S. Scudder, please consider supporting this transformational initiative by making a charitable contribution today.
We also invite you to join us for two special events this week celebrating her legacy of compassionate care and service for humanity:
Rekindle Sisterships in Mission
December 9th at 7 pm EST
A virtual event celebrating women’s calling in medicine. This event is hosted by the Reformed Church in America’s Women’s Transformation and Leadership Team, in collaboration with the Vellore CMC Foundation.
10th Annual Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration
December 10 at 8 am EST
The Oration is jointly organized every year by CMC & the Vellore CMC Foundation to recognize individuals who exemplify Dr. Ida’s compassion, integrity, and character. This year’s oration will be delivered by Mr. Azim Premji, philanthropist & founder of Wipro.
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