The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the Sankala Foundation and supported by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is set to organize a national conference on "Universal Access to Healthcare: Digital Solutions." The event will take place on September 6, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Aimed at addressing the pressing need for affordable and quality healthcare services in rural, remote, and hilly areas, the conference will bring together healthcare practitioners, government officials, innovators, and policymakers to explore digital solutions that can bridge gaps in access to healthcare.

The conference will be inaugurated by Dr. V. K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, with Mr. Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, delivering the keynote address. Both will also chair the technical sessions. Mr. Bharat Lal, Secretary General of NHRC, will provide insights into the conference's goals and the challenges ahead. Other distinguished participants include Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); Shri S. Krishnana, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY); and Mr. Shashank N.D., Chair of the Digital Health Committee at CII and co-founder of Practo.

The event will feature three technical sessions: "Models of Change in Healthcare," "Future Frontiers in Digital Health," and "Technology-Enabled Universal Health Coverage." These sessions aim to explore innovative healthcare models, cutting-edge digital health technologies, and the potential of technology to enable universal health coverage. A report titled "Leveraging Digital Solutions for Universal Health Coverage," based on research by the Sankala Foundation, will also be released during the event.

As India strives to ensure universal healthcare access, the government has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and delivering affordable care. However, the conference underscores the need for collaborative action from all stakeholders to guarantee that no one is left behind in accessing quality healthcare, thereby protecting the fundamental human right to health.

The NHRC has long advocated for universal healthcare as a basic human right, emphasizing the role of technology in expanding access to care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHRC issued comprehensive advisories to safeguard human rights and ensure healthcare access, highlighting the critical need for robust healthcare systems.

The conference will also reflect on India’s significant progress in healthcare, particularly in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, along with nutrition (RMNCHA+N). These are key areas under the National Health Mission (NHM) and are integral to achieving the nation's health goals.

India has committed to providing universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030, a goal that requires strengthening public health infrastructure and leveraging digital technology. As the government focuses on improving healthcare delivery in underserved and hard-to-reach areas, technology is poised to become a game-changer in achieving UHC.

By convening experts, policymakers, and innovators, the conference aims to explore how technology-driven solutions can accelerate progress toward universal access to healthcare, ensuring that quality healthcare services reach even the most remote corners of India.