The KIIT School of Public Health (KSPH), KIIT deemed to be University, hosted an international seminar on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on February 7th, 2024 as a pre-KIIT Fest 7.0 event. The primary objective of this seminar was to deliberate on the current scenario, challenges, best practices and way ahead related to achieving UHC by 2030. UHC is defined as access to and provision of an essential basket of healthcare services of acceptable standard to everyone who needs those services, irrespective of social and economic conditions.
The seminar featured two distinguished speakers: Prof. Stefano Greco, Founder Director of Chitkara Spaak Centre for Multidisciplinary European Studies, Chitkara University, Punjab; and Prof. Monika Steffen, Senior Research Fellow and Former Director of Pacte CNRS (French National Center of Scientific Research), France. Prof. (Brig.) Ambika Prasad Mohanty, Dean & Principal, KIMS graced during the inaugural session in the presence of Director of KSPH, Prof (Dr.) Bhuputra Panda, faculty members, students and staff members of KSPH.
In his opening remarks, Prof. (Dr.) Bhuputra Panda, Director, KSPH, extended a warm welcome to the guests and speakers, and referring to the recently tabled UHG Global Monitoring Report (2023) at the UN Headquarters, emphasizing upon the significance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Indian context and its relevance to graduates of public health and hospital administration.
Prof. (Brig.) Ambika Prasad Mohanty, in his address, highlighted the recent advancements in medical science and relevant policy changes contributing to the objectives of achieving UHC in India. He specially talked about the role of KIMS in the provision of healthcare.
Prof. Stefano Greco delivered a lecture on the importance of universal health coverage for sustainable development and human rights. He underscored the advantages of universal health coverage in improving health outcomes, reducing poverty, fostering social cohesion, and stimulating economic growth.
Prof. Monika Steffen discussed how European countries attained universal health coverage through various financial risk protection models and mechanisms. She compared and contrasted the experiences of different European countries in terms of financing, governance, service delivery, and equity. Furthermore, she shared insights and policy recommendations for advancing universal health coverage in other regions.
Prof. Himanshu Sekhar Pradhan, Asso. Prof, KSPH and Organizing Chairman of KIIT FEST 7.0 offered formal vote of thanks.
Following the seminar, Master of Public Health students delivered presentations, and an interactive session allowed participants to pose questions and exchange their perspectives on the topic. The seminar was well-received by the audience.
