SYMHEALTH 2025
April 11th & 12th, 2025
National Conference on
Advancing Equity and Inclusion: A Pathway to Achieving SDGs for Healthier Future Generations
Organized by
April 11th & 12th, 2025
Organized by
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a global call to action aimed at achieving a more equitable, sustainable, and healthy future for all. Among the 17 SDGs, Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) is foundational to achieving the broader vision of global development. However, achieving health equity remains one of the most critical challenges of our time, with significant disparities in access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities across regions, genders, and social groups.
Advancing equity and inclusion is integral not only to reducing health disparities but also to fostering social cohesion, building resilience, and enhancing the effectiveness of public health systems. Addressing inequalities in healthcare systems, addressing social determinants of health, and promoting inclusive policies will be key to meeting SDG targets for healthier future generations.
The SYMHEALTH Conference 2025 will provide an inclusive and interdisciplinary platform for researchers, policymakers, health professionals, and community leaders to explore innovative solutions that advance equity and inclusion in the global healthcare landscape. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, this conference aims to drive collective action toward the health-related SDGs and inspire collaborations that transform systems for health and well-being.
Over the last fifty years, advancements in health and medical research have led to groundbreaking innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics, and health system strengthening. However, the process of translating this knowledge into effective health policies and equitable healthcare systems remains an ongoing challenge. The disconnect between research and its real-world application often results in underutilization of scientific breakthroughs, particularly in low-resource settings, where they are most needed.
This session, led by Dr. Nerges Mistry, will delve into the evolution of health and medical research, highlighting the milestones, lessons learned, and persisting barriers in bridging the gap between research and implementation. Dr. Mistry will bring her extensive expertise in infectious and non-communicable diseases, health systems, and community health to the discussion, presenting a comprehensive review of this journey.
From the molecular epidemiology of drug-resistant tuberculosis to innovations in rural healthcare systems, Dr. Mistry has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge research with on-ground realities. This session will also explore the socio-environmental determinants of health, such as housing, nutrition, and pollution, emphasizing the importance of a biosocial approach to healthcare delivery.
In the context of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), the role of research translation becomes even more critical. The session will discuss strategies for fostering robust collaborations between researchers, policymakers, and communities to ensure inclusivity and equity in healthcare.
The health sector is witnessing rapid advancements, from whole genome sequencing to non-invasive diagnostics. However, challenges such as fragmented healthcare systems, inequities in access, and lack of community engagement hinder the realization of these advancements’ full potential. Addressing these gaps requires a paradigm shift in how research is conducted, shared, and implemented.
Dr. Mistry’s session is particularly relevant in today’s post-pandemic world, where the lessons from COVID-19 have underscored the importance of integrating multidisciplinary approaches to health challenges. Drawing on her experience in TB control, community health systems, and public-private partnerships, the session will inspire participants to leverage past learnings and pave the way for a healthier future.
Key Takeaways:
This session promises to provide actionable insights, encourage critical reflection, and empower participants to reimagine health research translation for inclusive and sustainable healthcare solutions.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are foundational principles in modern healthcare communication, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds receive fair, respectful, and effective care. In today’s multicultural and interconnected world, healthcare providers must address the unique needs of patients from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Effective communication that integrates EDI principles fosters trust, reduces health disparities, and promotes better health outcomes by eliminating systemic barriers and biases. By prioritizing inclusivity, healthcare systems can create an environment where all individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered in their healthcare journey.
EDI in healthcare communication focuses on:
The speaker for this session is Dr. Indu Arneja, Founder and Director of Indian Institute of Healthcare communication and a certified relationship-centred communication facilitator by the academy of communication in healthcare, USA. She also served as a guest faculty in various esteemed institution such as PHFI, IIM (Ahmedabad), XLRI Jamshedpur, and Delhi Judicial Academy. She has also received a scholarship for the Enrich Healthcare Communication course, Pittsburgh, which was awarded by the academy of communication in healthcare
Climate change poses one of the most significant threats to global health in the 21st century. The increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, floods, hurricanes, and droughts, as well as the changing patterns of diseases, have a profound impact on human health, with the effects being most pronounced in areas with limited resources, healthcare systems that are already fragile, and populations that are already burdened by poverty or pre-existing health inequities
The effects of climate change on health extend beyond physical illnesses to include mental health challenges, food insecurity, and disrupted access to essential healthcare services. As the global population grows and urbanization increases, healthcare systems face mounting pressure to adapt and build resilience to these climate-induced challenges.
This calls for a comprehensive approach that integrates proactive policies, robust infrastructure, early warning systems, and community engagement to ensure that healthcare systems can withstand and respond effectively to the evolving health impacts of climate change. Recognizing the interconnectedness of health and the environment is key to fostering long-term sustainability and resilience.
The speaker of this session is Mr Abhiyant Tiwari Lead coordinator and TEDx Speaker, and professional in topics related to climate Resilience, health, environment and disaster risk management. He also served as a Medical Director at Maitri Hospital Pvt. Ltd , Head-Provider Management in MediAssit India TPA Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad (Gujrat) his other positions were , Branch In- Charge at Vipul MedCorp TPA Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad (Gujrat),Public Health Research Associate at Indian Institute of Public Health, (PHFI) Public Health Researcher-Indian Institute of Public Health, (PHFI),Assistant Professor at Gujrat Institute of Disaster Management -India and Lead in Climate Resilience and Health, India Program-Natural Resources Défense Council (NRDC).
Medical tourism has grown exponentially in the last few decades, becoming a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Patients from high-income countries travel to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to access affordable, high-quality healthcare services. While medical tourism boosts the economy, attracts foreign exchange, and creates opportunities for infrastructure development, it also poses significant challenges to achieving health equity in host countries. Promoting health equity through medical tourism requires a careful balance. It involves ensuring that the benefits of medical tourism do not come at the expense of local populations’ access to healthcare. Addressing disparities and promoting equitable healthcare policies can transform medical tourism into a tool for sustainable health development.
Dr. Rashk Kaushal Senior Manager International MarketingSenior Manager International Marketing at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Dr. Kaushal is an esteemed expert in healthcare management, will shed light on leveraging medical tourism to address health inequities, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. Other esteemed panellists will discuss the interplay between medical tourism, economic growth, and equity in healthcare delivery.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework to achieve a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world by 2030. Health, as a cornerstone of sustainable development, is encapsulated in SDG 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” Aligning healthcare policies with SDGs ensures that health systems address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability and access to quality care.
The alignment of healthcare policies with the SDGs represents an opportunity to create resilient health systems capable of addressing present and future challenges. Partnerships for a sustainable future will not only drive progress in global health but also ensure equity, inclusion, and sustainability across all levels of society.
The panelists are- 1) Dr. Anjum Fatma, State Coordinator UNICEF, National level Public Health and Nutrition Expert. She also served as senior consultant in Care India and as a National Consultant (IDD) in Ministry of Health and Family welfare, where she coordinated within various health departments and managed several important health projects.
The rapid advancement of healthcare technologies, such as telemedicine, robotic surgery, AI-driven diagnostics, and precision medicine, necessitates a transformation in hospital design. Traditional hospital spaces often struggle to accommodate these innovations, underscoring the need for flexibility and adaptability in infrastructure. This session will delve into the importance of designing hospital spaces that are future-ready, scalable, and capable of integrating emerging technologies seamlessly.
This session on “Flexible and Adaptable Hospital Spaces for Emerging Healthcare Technologies” aims to explore how hospitals can be designed or retrofitted to respond to technological advancements, ensuring operational efficiency, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.
This enlightening session will be led by Dr. Vivek Desai, Founder, HOSMAC India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. With decades of experience, he has contributed to the design and development of numerous state-of-the-art healthcare institutions in India and abroad. His expertise in combining innovation with practicality makes him uniquely equipped to guide this discussion.
The evolving landscape of healthcare constantly challenges medical professionals to balance ethical considerations with legal obligations. The intersection of medical ethics and law plays a critical role in guiding healthcare practitioners to ensure patient care aligns with both moral principles and regulatory frameworks.
This session on “Medical Ethics and Law: Where Do They Intersect?” aims to explore the dynamic relationship between medical ethics and law, highlighting key principles, conflicts, and their implications for practitioners, patients, and society.
This enlightening session will be led by Dr. Sanjay Gupte, the Director of Gupte Hospital, Pune, He is a renowned expert in obstetrics and gynecology. With decades of clinical experience, he is also a prominent advocate for ethical medical practices and legal awareness in healthcare. Dr. Gupte’s commitment to medical ethics and his insights into the legal aspects of healthcare make him an ideal speaker for this session.
Clinical data management (CDM) is a vital component of the research process, ensuring that data collected during clinical trials is accurate, reliable, and compliant with regulatory standards. In India, the rapid growth of clinical research, fueled by its diverse patient population and expanding pharmaceutical industry, necessitates robust CDM practices to maintain data integrity. According to a report by the Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO), approximately 25% of clinical trial data in India is either incomplete or inaccurate, leading to potential risks in decision-making and patient safety. Effective CDM practices help mitigate these risks by implementing rigorous data validation processes, establishing standardized protocols, and employing electronic data capture systems that enhance data quality and accessibility.
As India continues to emerge as a global hub for clinical research, the importance of ensuring data integrity cannot be overstated. With the introduction of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, CDM is evolving to provide real-time data monitoring and analytics, which can significantly improve the accuracy and speed of data collection. Strengthening CDM practices in India not only enhances the credibility of clinical trials but also fosters greater trust among stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, researchers, and patients, ultimately leading to more effective and safer healthcare solutions.
The landscape of healthcare is undergoing a profound transformation fueled by advancements in digital technologies. Recognizing the need to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of patient-interfacing technologies, the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) has introduced comprehensive digital health standards. This session, focusing on "NABH Digital Health Standards” that aims to unravel the intricacies of these standards and explore their implications for healthcare providers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the importance of leveraging digital technologies to strengthen health systems globally. According to WHO, embracing digital health solutions can enhance access to healthcare, improve the quality of services, and contribute to the achievement of universal health coverage. In India, a country with a diverse healthcare landscape, the integration of digital health technologies aligns with the government's vision of "Digital India" and "Ayushman Bharat."
With the growing number of healthcare facilities in India, adopting digital health standards in inpatient settings becomes imperative. The NABH standards guide hospitals in implementing electronic health records, medication management systems, and other technologies to enhance patient care. The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the significance of digital health in achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes.
The speaker for this session is Dr Atul Mohan Kochhar who is the CEO of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare providers, (NABH), New Delhi. His expertise and leadership in healthcare accreditation have contributed to the enhancement of healthcare quality and patient safety.
“Sustainability” refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic, environmental, and social factors to ensure long-term well-being for both people and the planet. Healthcare needs sustainability to ensure the long-term availability of resources such as clean water, energy, and medical supplies, crucial for delivering quality care. Additionally, sustainable practices reduce healthcare's environmental footprint, mitigating health risks associated with pollution and climate change, ultimately safeguarding public health for future generations.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimates that healthcare-related emissions, if left unchecked, could rise by 1.4% annually, significantly exacerbating climate change.
Ensuring sustainability in healthcare requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond merely addressing immediate medical needs to encompass environmental, social, and economic factors. Effective governance and accountability mechanisms play a pivotal role in measuring and promoting sustainability within healthcare systems. Only a minority of healthcare organizations have formal governance structures in place to address sustainability issues.
The Healthcare Sustainability Impact Index, developed by MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group, reveals that only 35% of healthcare organizations globally have formal governance structures in place to address sustainability issues.
By establishing clear metrics and reporting frameworks, stakeholders can track progress, identify areas for improvement, and hold institutions accountable for their environmental impact, resource utilization, and social responsibility. Moreover, robust governance structures foster transparency, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement, driving the integration of sustainable practices into core healthcare operations
By utilizing these statistical insights and emphasizing the importance of governance and accountability, policymakers, healthcare leaders, and stakeholders can prioritize sustainability efforts, driving positive outcomes for both public health and the planet.
Speaker: Dr. Ashwani Aggarwal is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of consulting experience and currently working in the Management Consulting Practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. His expertise spans various sectors, including Hospitals, Pharmaceuticals, Public Health Institutions, Financial Institutions, and Medical Devices, across diverse geographies. Throughout his career, Dr. Ashwani has been instrumental in driving positive change within the healthcare industry. He has actively contributed to efforts aimed at improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing access and affordability.
In an era dominated by technological advancements, the integration of innovative solutions in healthcare has become imperative. The rapid advancement of technology has brought forth a wave of innovative health solutions. From AI-powered diagnostics to remote patient monitoring, these advancements hold immense potential to improve healthcare access, quality, and affordability.
This session on "Sustainability and Scalability of Health Solutions" aims to address the challenges and opportunities in ensuring that these advancements not only meet current healthcare needs but also endure and expand over time. According to Statista 2023 the global health tech market is expected to reach $337.8 billion by 2027. The dual focus on sustainability and scalability is crucial to ensure that these solutions not only address immediate challenges but also have the potential to scale across diverse healthcare ecosystems.
As per a report by World Health Organisation 2021 over 800 million people lack access to essential health services. The overarching theme of this session is to explore how technological health solutions can be designed, implemented, and sustained in a way that ensures their relevance and effectiveness in the face of evolving healthcare landscapes. Emphasizing both sustainability and scalability, the goal is to not only address immediate healthcare challenges but also enable these solutions to scale across diverse healthcare ecosystems globally.
This enlightening session will be led by Dr. Shirish Lawoo Ghadi, who is the Specialist, Public Health, Transform Rural India, Mumbai. and a distinguished expert in the field. He will be guiding us through the intricacies of ensuring the long-term impact and widespread applicability of technological health solutions.
