Skip to content Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), a professional medical organization under the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan, provides free medical care to over 2 million people worldwide through its network of more than 8,600 physicians and health professionals.
Inspired by Master Cheng Yen’s compassion for the poor and ill, as well as the selfless service of volunteers at Tzu Chi’s free clinic, the Master established a group of medical professionals in Taiwan in 1972. This group evolved into the Tzu Chi Medical Association in 1996 and was later renamed as Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), eventually expanding to include members in over 15 countries and regions.
TIMA is made up of medical professionals, worldwide, who volunteer their time and expertise to provide quality medical services at home and abroad to vulnerable populations affected by disaster and poverty.
These compassionate TIMA members not only use their personal leave from work to participate in our missions, they also pay for the trips out of their own pocket. They serve with wholehearted dedication with the hope of relieving the suffering of the sick and needy.
TIMA also regularly collaborates with community and global organizations to hold large-scale outreach events wherever in the world help is needed.
Tzu Chi International Medical Association of Canada (TIMA Canada) is a volunteer team of Canadian medical professionals and administrative staff. Inspired by the Buddhist principles of “unconditional loving kindness and universal compassion” and Master Cheng Yen’s teachings on “humanistic medicine,” we offer non-profit medical consultations and humanitarian assistance globally.
TIMA Canada is dedicated to healing in accordance with Master Cheng Yen’s principle of “Respect for Life.” We reach out to isolated communities, villages, mountainous regions, and islands worldwide, where access to medical services is limited.
Our mission is to deliver high-quality medical care to disadvantaged individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or religion; provide preventative medical education; raise awareness of health issues; and offer emergency medical assistance during crises.
We are committed to caring for underserved populations in Canada and collaborating with TIMA teams globally to deliver medical services wherever needed.
