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

Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, India had been under total lockdown from late March to May which restricted people’s unnecessary outings. However, the country has gradually started to ease the quarantine measures since 06 June in which eating establishments and religious facilities resumed operations. According to AMDA India, it is more likely that the lockdown will be lifted by later this month and interstate travel is expected to increase accordingly.

As part of precautionary measures, AMDA India, in collaboration with AMDA Headquarters, has been planning to launch a face-mask distribution drive. This is in response to the expected increase in the number of workers going back to offices and workplaces amid the surge of infected cases.

The face masks are handmade by women residing in the rural communities of the Nilgiris in the southern part of India. The washable masks are made from unbleached pure cotton. By purchasing these masks, it also helps boost the income of women in the remote region, thereby assisting their livelihood.

　　　　　　　　　Women in the Nilgiris making the masks

The Indian chapter is currently preparing masks and hand sanitizers to street sweepers and other frontline workers working in the ‘red zone’ which is regarded as a high-risk area as well as a nursing home that houses about 500 people. The facility specializes in caring for elderly people who were abandoned, abused or mentally-handicapped.

Plans are also underway to provide masks and sanitizers to public facilities such as courts and government offices where a lot of people visit. The chapter is planning to go ahead with these plans from mid to late June.