World Medical Association (WMA)

The World Medical Association (WMA) is an global organization representing physicians. It was founded on 17 September 1947, when physicians from 27 diverse countries met at the First General Assembly of the WMA in Paris. The group was created to ensure the independence of physicians and to work for the highest possible principles of ethical behaviour and care by physicians, at all times. This was particularly important to physicians after the Second World War, and therefore the WMA has always been an autonomous confederation of free specialized associations. Funding has been by the annual donations of its members, which has now grown to 111 National Medical Associations. The WMA provides a forum for its member associations to join freely, to co-operate actively, to achieve compromise on high standards of medical ethics and qualified competence, and to promote the proficient freedom of physicians worldwide. This unique enterprise facilitates high-calibre, humane care to patients in a strong environment, attractive the quality of life for all people in the world.