ArchiveInternational Cooperation Activities

The Japan Medical Association began its medical cooperation activities in Nepal in 1992 as a part of Japan's overseas development assistance activities. This project terminated in 2005 after 12 years of substantial involvement in overseas medical assistance efforts, the world's first such trial by a medical association.

This project began with a request for cooperation from the government of Nepal to the JMA in 1992 aimed at improving the level of primary health care in Nepal and more specifically, mother and child health care, one of the essential components of the health care policy promoted by the 1991 Eighth Five-Year Plan of the Government of Nepal. Following the signing of an agreement with the Ministry of Health in Nepal in 1992, the JMA, with the cooperation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), constructed a Primary Health Care (PHC) Center in the outskirts of the capital of Katmandu and began assistance activities, primarily targeting regional health care and school health. The JMA sent two medical experts to carry out educational and guidance activities with the local health care staff.

This project is considered to have been highly successful by both the government of Nepal and JICA, and has been rewarded with the deep gratitude of the local community.