The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the Sankala Foundation, NITI Aayog, and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, will host a national conference titled “Universal Access to Healthcare: Digital Solutions” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on September 6, 2024. The conference aims to address the critical issue of ensuring universal access to affordable and quality healthcare through innovative digital solutions.

The event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including healthcare practitioners, government officials, leading experts, innovators, and policymakers. The focus will be on exploring ways to enhance healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural, remote, and hilly areas, through digital technologies.

Dr. V. K. Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, will inaugurate the conference, with Mr. Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, delivering the keynote address and chairing technical sessions. Mr. Bharat Lal, Secretary General of NHRC, will provide context and discuss the challenges faced in advancing healthcare access. Other notable participants include Dr. Rajiv Bahl, DG of ICMR; Shri S. Krishnana, Secretary of MEITY; and several experts from WHO, UNDP, and various state health departments.

The conference will feature three technical sessions: “Models of Change in Healthcare,” “Future Frontiers in Digital Health,” and “Technology-enabled Universal Health Coverage.” Additionally, a report by the Sankala Foundation on “Leveraging Digital Solutions for Universal Health Coverage” will be released, highlighting research and field studies on improving healthcare delivery.

This conference underscores the NHRC’s commitment to advancing human rights through accessible and affordable healthcare. It aims to showcase India’s progress in healthcare delivery and discuss strategies for leveraging digital solutions to improve access in underserved regions. The initiative aligns with India’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030, emphasizing the role of technology in transforming healthcare access and delivery.