Association of Medical Doctors of ASIA, founded in 1984, Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC since 1995

AMDA has been carrying out an array of social empowerment activities in India’s state of Bihar, including health programs for mothers and infants, free meal distribution and agricultural efforts, as well as support for an elderly nursing home. In addition, it also conducted emergency response activities for communities affected by severe flooding in the summer of 2025.
 
In late November, two staff members from AMDA’s Japanese headquarters visited AMDA’s activity hub in Bodhgaya, Bihar, where it has run AMDA Peace Clinic (APC) since 2009. The annual visit serves as an important occasion where the project operators from both countries exchange ideas on ongoing activities and discuss further plans by reflecting on the needs on the ground.
 

AMDA Peace Clinic (APC)

 
When the Japanese staff paid a visit to APC, its local staff emphasized the importance of maintaining a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for women coming to the clinic for its maternal healthcare services. They strive to create a hygienic and cozy atmosphere to allow both pregnant women and young mothers (often accompanied by their babies) to drop in carefree, making it a place where women can feel relaxed and comfortable enough to openly share their concerns. This is especially important because the wellbeing of mothers greatly influences the health of their babies.
 
On the day of the regular prenatal and postpartum checkups, around 40 pregnant women and new mothers gathered for consultations with a local gynecologist. The waiting room was filled with warm and friendly atmosphere, with mothers gently dandling each other’s babies. Most of the women were in their early 20s, and about half were first-time mothers. 
 
During the maternity class regularly organized by the clinic, many women were listening to the guidance on breastfeeding attentively, learning how nutrition plays an important role in raising healthy infants.
 
It is said that many of the women started visiting APC through word of mouth. Given that most had never felt the need for maternal checkups previously, it is fair to say that the reputation of the services gradually gained recognition within the local community, earning the trust of women in the area over the years.
 
Today, it has become a standard practice for APC’s visitors to undergo procedures, including blood tests, *ultrasound examinations, and medication (if required) - the services which the clinic believes is vital for maintaining the good health of local women and babies. (*Not held at APC but at an affiliated facility.)
 

AMDA Blue Sky Canteen

 
On another occasion, the Japanese staff observed APC’s free meal distribution program titled “AMDA Blue Sky Canteen” launched in January 2023. Initially targeting those in economically disadvantaged circumstances, the program later expanded to offer meals to a wider range of people including tourists. It offers a traditional drink called “sattu” to prevent heatstroke in the summer and serves lunches in the winter.
 
Because people in India generally eat with their hands, the program mandates strict hand-washing rules for everyone before and after meals. This also helps raise awareness among local residents about better hygiene and a proper diet.
 

Veda Orphan Old Age Home

 
“Veda Orphan Old Age Home” is a nursing home run by a former APC staff member and currently accommodates 25 residents. AMDA has supported the facility since its opening and has recently assisted in reconstructing the roof, the kitchen and other parts of the building that were damaged by the monsoon.
 
The home also operates a micro dairy farm on the premises. Revenue from the farm helps the facility financially, while the milk it produces has been a valuable source of nutrition for the elderly residents. The barn, which was also affected by the monsoon, was also repaired with AMDA’s funding. Currently, nine of its cows are expecting calves, with the births anticipated around February 2026.
 

The Aftermath of Flooding

 
To assess the aftermath of the summer flooding, the Japanese staff also visited one of the affected villages, where AMDA had carried out emergency relief. According to the residents, they have managed to survive thanks to food assistance provided by the government. However, they say concerns have been mounting over the arrival of winter. Makeshift houses secure neither warmth nor safety as cold winds and venomous snakes could easily enter from outside. Although children have returned to school, a significant amount of time and effort may be required until people’s daily lives are completely restored.

Such being the case, AMDA hopes to continue its work for the people in Bodhgaya in 2026 and beyond.