The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is the largest represented organization of doctors of modern medicine in India. With a membership of 3.5 lakh doctors, spread across 28 State Branches, 5 Union territorial Branches, and 1702 local branches, the IMA is dedicated to looking after the interests of doctors and the well-being of the community.
The roots of the IMA can be traced back to the pre-independence era when there were associations of doctors in various parts of India. However, it was during a doctors’ conference that the decision was made to unite all these associations under one organization. In 1928, the Indian Medical Association was officially formed and has since made significant contributions, particularly during the freedom struggle.
One of the notable achievements of the IMA was its role in organizing the World Medical Association (WMA) in 1946, becoming a founding member. As a member organization of the WMA, the IMA continues to play an important role in its deliberations. In fact, the IMA hosted the III World Conference on Medical Education in New Delhi in 1966 and the WMA General Assembly in 2009. In 2015, Dr. Ketan Desai, a member of the IMA, was installed as the President of the WMA.
With its extensive reach, the IMA has made its presence felt in every part of India. It boasts over three hundred thousand members across 28 states and Union Territories, with more than 1702 active local branches. The vision of the IMA is to maintain the dignity, honor, and social security of the medical fraternity in the country, while striving to provide quality healthcare to every citizen of India. The organization is committed to preserving the autonomy of the medical profession.
The objectives of the IMA are multi-faceted. Firstly, it aims to promote and advance medical and allied sciences in all their branches. Additionally, the IMA works towards improving public health and medical education in India. The organization also seeks to maintain the honor and dignity of the medical profession and promote cooperation among its members. Lastly, the IMA advocates for the abolition of compartmentalism in medical education, services, and registration to achieve equality among all members of the profession.
One of the key focuses of the IMA is to ensure that its members are updated with the latest knowledge and technologies in healthcare. To achieve this, the organization has established academic wings for general practitioners, specialists, and online courses. These wings include the IMA College of General Practitioners, IMA Academy of Medical Specialties, and the IMA AKN Sinha Institute, respectively.
Furthermore, the IMA Hospital Board of India provides services related to hospitals, further enhancing the organization’s commitment to the well-being of the community.
In conclusion, the Indian Medical Association plays a crucial role in advocating for doctors and promoting healthcare in India. With its extensive membership and active local branches, the IMA strives to maintain the honor and dignity of the medical profession while working towards providing quality healthcare to all citizens. Through its academic wings and hospital board, the IMA ensures that its members are equipped with the latest knowledge and technologies in healthcare. The IMA’s dedication to its vision and objectives makes it a vital organization in the medical field in India.
