Indian Medical Association (IMA)

The Indian Medical Association's Welcome the Girl Child initiative promotes support for girls up to 18 years through various measures. It encourages scholarships for education and skill development, financial assistance via fixed deposits with interest directed to the child's account, and skill-building programs to enhance future income prospects. It facilitates free heart surgeries for underprivileged girls, adoption of schools for health education and check-ups, and distribution of nutritional supplements. The program raises awareness about child sexual abuse, advocates against female foeticide, and supports medical care for sick girls. It also promotes gender balance through Campaign 950 and encourages medical professionals to waive consultancy fees for newborn girls. Its core message is ensuring no girl child faces preventable mortality.

The Indian Medical Association observes IMA TB Day on March 2 to raise awareness about tuberculosis and its prevention. It emphasises early detection by urging individuals with persistent coughs to get tested. It promotes standardised diagnosis and treatment, ensuring adherence to national TB care guidelines. It highlights the dangers of multidrug-resistant TB and the need for prolonged treatment. It encourages screening for TB in people living with HIV and contacts of TB patients. The program advocates cough hygiene, proper disposal of sputum, and the use of masks to prevent transmission. It underscores the importance of cross-ventilation over air conditioning in reducing TB spread. Free TB treatment is available at designated centres, and molecular tests help detect drug resistance quickly. It stresses patient confidentiality and dignity while combating stigma associated with the disease.

The Indian Medical Association launched the Aao Gaon Chalen initiative in 2004 to enhance healthcare in rural areas through collaboration with public health systems and community participation. It mobilises state and local branches to adopt villages based on assessed needs, ensuring sustainable health interventions. It trained medical professionals through UNICEF-supported workshops in multiple regions. Under a public-private partnership, it complements national health efforts, having benefited over 20 lakh people across 1040 villages. It encourages local branches to adopt villages, report activities, and strengthen outreach through coordinated efforts.

The Indian Medical Association supports World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment. It highlights that cancer affects people globally, regardless of social or economic status, and emphasises that early detection and intervention can significantly reduce mortality. It promotes lifestyle changes such as avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and vaccinating against Hepatitis B to lower cancer risk. It reinforces that 40% of cancers can be prevented, and early diagnosis enables effective treatment. It collaborates with global efforts to educate communities, encourage proactive healthcare measures, and reduce misconceptions about cancer.

The Indian Medical Association partnered with GAPIO to address key healthcare issues through collaboration. Under this initiative, both organisations exchange faculty, conduct joint research, and issue travel advisories. They promote bilateral orations and develop ethical guidelines. IMA facilitates opportunities for non-resident Indian doctors to engage in community service, while GAPIO nominates medical icons for IMA’s Swasthya Bharat Movement. The partnership enhances communication through news platforms and coordinated statements. It provides scholarships to young doctors and supports medical professionals visiting each other’s countries. It also promotes student and faculty exchange programs to strengthen global medical cooperation.