Indian Medical Association

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is a national voluntary organisation that brings together doctors practicing various systems of medicine across India. Its primary purpose is to uphold and promote high standards of medical ethics and professional conduct among its members. The association also organises continuing medical education programmes and conferences to keep physicians updated on advances in clinical practice and research. Additionally, it serves as a collective voice for the medical profession in discussions with policymakers and regulatory bodies.

IMA maintains a presence throughout the country through a network of state and local branches that operate in each state and union territory. This organisational structure enables it to address region‑specific health concerns while contributing to national initiatives. While the exact size of its membership is not disclosed in the available sources, the association is recognised as a significant professional body within India's healthcare sector.

Among its distinguishing attributes, the IMA contributes to the formulation of guidelines for medical education and offers advisory input on public health policies and disease control measures. It publishes a code of ethics that guides the behaviour of its members and periodically issues statements on topical medical issues. The association functions as an independent, non‑governmental entity governed by an elected central council and does not operate as a subsidiary of any parent organisation. Its leadership is chosen through democratic processes within the membership, ensuring representation of diverse medical specialties and geographic regions.