The countdown begins for health enthusiasts and changemakers as the 8th edition of Asia's largest gathering of health writers and influencers, the National Health Writers & Influencers Convention (NHWIC-2024), is set to kick off. Scheduled to unfold on February 21st to 22nd at the prestigious AIIMS, New Delhi, this groundbreaking event is primed to revolutionize the landscape, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and the chance to celebrate emerging healthcare heroes.

Dr. Swadeep Srivastava, Founder & Chairman of HEAL Health Writers & Editors Network, underscores the pivotal role of NHWIC-2024 and the unveiling of the NextGen awards. “As we gear up for the 8th NHWIC, our dedication to empowering health writers and journalists remains unwavering. Since its inception in 2005, this convention has served as a beacon of knowledge, drawing together over 1000 health writers and influencers. The introduction of the NextGen Healthcare Changemakers Awards 2024 is a testament to our commitment to honoring those who are shaping the future of healthcare in India.”

Dr. Srivastava elaborates, “The 8th NHWIC aims to arm attendees with comprehensive knowledge and engagement through specialized sessions. We aim to spotlight emerging NextGen Healthcare Changemakers and Media Award recipients, inspiring individuals who are making significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare in India.”

Under the banner ‘Empowering Health Narratives, Championing Changemakers,’ this year's convention is poised to make a resounding impact. With over 100 distinguished voices from the health writing and influencing realm, representing key media platforms, slated to convene, the event promises to redefine healthcare communication. The pinnacle of NHWIC-2024 will be the presentation of the 'NextGen Healthcare Changemakers & Media Awards 2024', recognizing healthcare trailblazers under the age of 45 for their outstanding contributions to India's healthcare landscape.

Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, Director of Crosslay Remedies Ltd., Past President-CMAAO, and Past National President, IMA, lauds HEAL's efforts in promoting responsible health journalism. “HEAL's conventions offer invaluable insights and foster responsible health reporting, pivotal in combating misinformation. The health writers and editors training programs orchestrated by the HEAL Foundation are commendable. They provide journalists with fresh insights into healthcare awareness and the latest developments in the field. NHWIC serves as a platform to connect top-class domain experts with healthcare journalists and writers.”

Beyond Recognition, Building Knowledge: The convention boasts a robust agenda. Renowned experts will lead interactive sessions on crucial topics, fostering meaningful exchange and insightful discussions.

Dr. Subhash Giri, Director of Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, underscores the importance of disseminating preventive health information across all age groups. “Recognizing NHWIC-2024's pivotal role in training journalists to convey accurate health information is commendable. The HEAL Convention has been consistently undertaking this valuable exercise for over fifteen years. Health awareness is fundamental for prevention, and NHWIC equips journalists to disseminate precise information, fostering informed choices and addressing healthcare disparities. In the midst of an emerging infodemic, accurate healthcare reporting is crucial, and HEAL serves as a vital platform connecting healthcare journalists with domain experts.”

Shankar Raj, President of HEAL Foundation, affirmed, “The 8th HEAL Health Writers Convention is a significant milestone, addressing and deliberating on health issues pertinent to India. This convention empowers journalists covering the health beat and online health writers with the latest information in critical areas. Focusing on factual reporting, HEAL provides knowledge and connects journalists with experts for responsible health narratives. In the midst of an emerging infodemic, accurate healthcare reporting is crucial, and HEAL serves as a vital platform connecting healthcare journalists with domain experts.”

This year's NHWIC-2024 promises to be a landmark event, uniting thought leaders, journalists, and influencers to shape the future of healthcare communication in India.