It is a cherished memory for me to recall the late 1980s, when Dr. Rameshwar Pokharel (founding President) brought the message of the Association of Medical Doctors for Asia (AMDA) from Japan. Inspired by AMDA International President Dr. Shigeru Suganami, Dr. Rameshwar encouraged us to establish AMDA-Nepal in 1989 as a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing healthcare services for common people in Nepal. Officially registered with the government in March 1991 AMDA-Nepal is guided by the motto of “Better quality of life for a better future,” and has since been committed to healthcare delivery across the country and to emergency relief activities both within and beyond Nepal. Started from a small “Bishnu Gaun clinic” project, AMDA-Nepal has grown exponentially over the period of 35 years and is running three hospitals and two academic institutes of health sciences. We extended our services to Bhutanese refugees in eastern Nepal from early emergency relief phase to Referral Health Centre for Bhutanese Refugees, Damak in collaboration with the BP Memorial Health Foundation Nepal. This centre later developed into AMDA Hospital Damak, which continues to provide healthcare to Bhutanese refugees through Primary Health Care Program (PHCP) as an implementing partner of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Establishment of the Siddhartha Children and Women Hospital (SCWH) in Butwal as a specialty hospital, in a unique model of partnership with local government and Chamber of Commerce is a great milestone of growth of AMDA-Nepal.  Building on this success, AMDA Mechi Hospital was founded with full cooperation of local communities, Mechi Municipality, and the Mechi Chamber of Commerce. These hospitals serve as the foundation for training programs run through two Institutes of Health Sciences, producing skilled middle-level health professionals for the country.  
AMDA-Nepal also expanded its services to HIV/AIDS control programs as an implementing partner of FHI International and National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) supplementing the national HIV/AIDS control program.  
The central office in Jorpati, also operates a general health clinic and the Shimazu Dental Clinic for local people. Notably, the breast and cervical cancer screening program, supported by the people of Japan, has fostered strong rapport with the community of this municipality. Gokarneswar Municipality has shown interest to give continuity to the project.  
Beyond Nepal’s borders, AMDA-Nepal has contributed to emergency relief and healthcare for refugees, working alongside AMDA International and other AMDA chapters.
The seeds we planted have grown into the robust humanitarian organization today. These achievements were made possible through the dedication of AMDA-Nepal members and the financial and technical support of AMDA International and AMDA Japan.  
Being the president now is not just a personal achievement, but a homecoming to the principles we established decades ago. It is my great pleasure to extend heartfelt greetings and gratitude to every member of AMDA-Nepal for their dedication and unconditional support in bringing the organization to this level. I am deeply appreciative of our health professionals, administrative staff, and support teams, who serve with compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Though there are many challenges, AMDA’s responsibility is greater than ever. Let us move forward together with renewed energy, guided by compassion and motivation.   On behalf of the executive committee, I also express sincere gratitude to our national and international partners, supporters, and the communities we serve.  
With best wishes,
Prof. Dr. Rohit Kumar Pokharel  
President
AMDA Nepal