Taking inspiration from the Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative, IMA aims to soon become a paperless organization.

Technological advancements have helped bridge distances in our vast country and have made possible, seamless communication between people based in different cities. Keeping in line with the dynamics of the changing world, the Indian Medical Association, the only representative voluntary organization of doctors of the modern scientific system of medicine has decided to go digital. IMA aims to amplify its messages to both its 2.5-lakh doctor members and to the public at large through the digital medium.

Addressing the press, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. (Prof.) A Marthanda Pillai, National President and Padma Shri AwardeeDr KK Aggarwal, Hon. Secretary General, IMA in a joint statement said, “IMA is in the process of becoming a paperless Association. It has been our constant endeavor to make the medical profession more transparent and effective along with raising large-scale public health awareness about matters of National importance. We echo our Prime Minister’s belief in the potential of a Digital India and will be using this as a medium to communicate with both doctors and the public.”

IMA has already created a digital group called Team IMA, which will make daily communication between over 2500 Central Council Members possible. Since the beginning of this year, over 2 lakh doctor members of the IMA are being sent daily updates on the organization and key health matters through the medium of text messages and emails.

To make IMA’s functioning more effective, the association has also tied up with M/s Presto and BSNL communication to make regular Video CMEs possible across 23 different locations in the country.

The IMA headquarters in New Delhi have been equipped with a video conferencing facility where family physicians can communicate with each other. IMA will also be launching a first of its kind Tele Medicine Rural Health Consultation service on 16th August, 2015 where the IMA Dhule Branch will connect with the IMA headquarters through video conferencing.

A health education weekly programme from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. every Thursday will also be started by the Association which will allow doctors to interact with Dr A Marthanda Pillai and Dr KK Aggarwal, through a live webcast on the IMA website on issues of common interest for doctors and patients and healthcare facilitators.

Recently the IMA has also started an online TB notification facility for doctors as well as a rare blood group directory for people in need of emergencies.

As its next steps, IMA will be rolling out a website on organ donation where every doctor will be able to pledge to donate their organs.

Dr V K Monga, Dean of Studies-Elect, IMA CGP and Dr R N Tandon, Hony. Finance Secretary, IMA were present at the Press conference.

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