Report June 2025

The Association’s participation on both national and global fronts continues to grow in influence, strengthening our collaborative spirit and impact.

International Recognition and Leadership Updates

A landmark moment was Dr Mandakini Megh’s election as President-Elect of the Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA), a proud recognition of India’s active and constructive contributions to the global platform. In addition, Dr. Vandana Walvekar, Past President of AMWI Mumbai Branch was elected MWIA Regional Vice President for Central Asia, further cementing India’s role in shaping regional priorities.

The ceremonial installation of Dr. Mandakini Megh will take place during the MWIA International Congress in Cairo, Egypt (October 12–14, 2025), where a strong Indian delegation is expected to participate.

AMWI Global Dialogue Connect Series

A major initiative during this term has been the launch of the AMWI Global Connect Programme, a virtual platform for international dialogue on women’s health and leadership:

April 4, 2025: First episode featured Dr. Bettina Pfleiderer, Past President of MWIA and Dr. Usha Saraiya as the Chief Guests. This interactive series has been conceptualized by Dr. Mandakini Megh and coordinated by Dr. Gauri Karandikar, the Convenor of the Global Connect Programme. It received wide appreciation from national and international attendees.
June 14, 2025: The second episode will feature Dr. Gabrielle Casper from Australia.

These episodes aim to build professional solidarity and shared learning experiences among medical women across continents.

New AMWI Chapters Inaugurated – AMWI spreads it’s wings

To strengthen the grassroots movement, six new chapters were inaugurated:

Tamil Nadu
Bangalore
Odisha
North East
Hassan
Raipur

Administrative guidelines have been disseminated to ensure proper governance and coordination.

International Women’s Day, with the theme, ‘Accelerate Action’

A Special Session on International Women’s Day, with the theme, ‘Accelerate Action ‘was held on 9th March. Dr. Kamini Rao was the Chief Guest and Dr. Minal Mohagaonkar, Dean SMBT college delivered the keynote address. Prizes were announced for the poster and essay competitions held throughout the country on this theme.

Forthcoming National Events and Policy Updates

National Conference of AMWI to be held in Kolkata in December 2025, hosted by West Bengal Branch.
Golden Jubilee Award 2025 will be conferred to Dr. Monica Umbardand.
Tax-Exempt Status (80G): Application submitted by CA Atula Kulkarni is under review with the Income Tax Department, Mumbai.

Branch Reports

West Bengal Branch

Jan 18: 25th Dr. Marie Catchatoor Oration: Dr. Anjana Malhotra on “Is There a Glass Ceiling?”
Feb 2: Saraswati Puja celebrated at AMWI Mission Hospital.
Feb 22: Free Health Camp with Rotary Club of North Calcutta. 24 patients screened; 3 PAP smears, 8 ECGs, and 23 blood tests carried out.
Mar 1–2: Jhargram Health Camp: 70 patients seen, 10 PAP smears performed.
Mar 8: 27th Dr. Mukulika Konar Memorial Oration: Dr. Indira Jha on “Diabetes in Pregnancy.”
Mar 29: 9th Dr. Meenakshi Ghosh Oration: Dr. Madhukshara Raychaudhuri on infant care.

Mumbai Branch

27th February – a CME talk on “Role of Calcium in the Health of Women” was held at Cytology Clinic, Cama & Albess Hospitals, Mumbai from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm organized by Dr. Bakhtawar Vajifdar.
8th-15th March – In memory of Dr. Avabai Mehta & Dr. Hilla Vakil, the camp was held to celebrate International Women’s Day at Cama & Albless Hospitals, along with Cytology Clinic staff.
25th April 2025 – Annual General Body Meeting, Inauguration Ceremony and Talk on the “Role of Genetics in Medical Practice” by Dr. Hema Purandare were held on 19th Floor, Seminar Hall, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. G. Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai from 2.00-5.00 pm.

Nagpur Branch

February 7, 2025: Traditional Haldi Kumkum celebration at IMA Hall, Nagpur. Environmental themes were emphasized, and reusable metal water bottles were distributed.
March 7, 2025: Two CPR training programs were held for morning walkers in Nagpur, conducted by Dr. Anjali Chivhane, Dr. Kiran Vyavhare, and Dr. Shweta Bulle.
Health Check-up & Tree Plantation: at California High School, Benoda, with involvement of the local community, led by Dr. Nalini Kurvey.
World Cancer Day: Conducted at Mure Memorial Hospital, focusing on early detection and treatment of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers.
April 11, 2025: Launch of FAST TEAM for emergency preparedness training at MNLU Law Campus, Nagpur.
International Women’s Day Competitions: Slogan and essay competitions were held. Winners included Dr. Nalini Kurvey, Dr. Kavita Dangra, and Dr. Gayatri Deshpande.
Apr 7: World Health Day Health Camp in Kharagpur with Calcutta Foundation. 60 patients seen; Dr. Bulbul Raichaudhuri led HPV vaccination awareness.
Apr 26: 10th Dr. Baby Chandra Oration: Dr. Chandana Chakraborti on dry eye prevention.
May 24: 7th Pushpa Mukherjee Oration: Dr. Manideepa Sengupta on pandemic preparedness.

Conclusion

The first five months of 2025 have seen the Association of Medical Women in India take bold steps forward—globally, technologically, and socially. Our commitment to MWIA’s goals remains unwavering as we prepare for the Cairo Congress and continue to build sustainable, inclusive healthcare ecosystems.

We are proud to represent India on the world stage and will continue to strengthen global ties, train future leaders, and serve communities with excellence and empathy.

Dr. Mandakini Megh, National President, AMWI