National Convention on Health Rights 2025

National Convention on Health Rights - Key Facts and Data

Event Overview:

• Dates: December 11-12, 2025
• Location: New Delhi
• Organisers: Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (People’s Health Movement – India)
• Participants: Approximately 400 health professionals, community leaders, and health activists.

Objectives:

• Address major health challenges in India.
• Advocate for the right to health as a fundamental human right.
• Discuss lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis.
• Critique and propose alternatives to the privatization of healthcare.

Main Issues:

1. Privatization of Public Health Services:

   • Expansion of public-private partnerships resulting in the handover of medical colleges and health facilities to private players.
   • Concerns over accessibility and affordability for the Indian populace dependent on public healthcare.

2. Regulatory Challenges:

   • Implementation of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 remains inadequate, leading to overcharging and unnecessary medical procedures in the private sector.
   • Need for the proper enforcement of regulations to ensure standardized pricing and observance of the Charter of Patient’s Rights.

3. Financial Allocations:

   • India allocates only 2% of its Union Budget to health services, with an annual per capita public health spending of approximately $25.
   • High out-of-pocket expenses notwithstanding government health insurance schemes.

4. Wages and Employment of Health Workers:

   • Ongoing struggles for health worker rights, with many facing low wages and insecure employment.
   • Need for improved conditions and social security for frontline health workers highlighted.

5. Access to Medicines:

   • Medicines account for nearly half of household medical expenditures; over 80% are outside price control.
   • Discussion on regulatory gaps pertaining to pricing, proposed removal of GST on medicines, and expanding public sector production of essential medicines.

Social Determinants and Justice:

• A focus on addressing entrenched social hierarchies that impact access to healthcare for vulnerable groups, including:
  • Dalits
  • Adivasis
  • Muslims
  • LGBTQ+ persons
  • Persons with disabilities
• Environmental health issues, food security, and climate change also addressed to highlight health intersectoral strategies.

Legislative Engagement:

• Coordinated activities will occur during the winter session of Parliament to engage Members of Parliament on pressing health policy issues.

25th Anniversary of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan:

• The convention coincides with the 25-year celebration of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan’s efforts in advocating for health rights and equitable health policies across diverse demographics in India.

Conclusion:

The National Convention on Health Rights aims to galvanize a movement for universal, quality, public health systems in India, promoting healthcare as a fundamental right and emphasizing a shift away from profit-driven healthcare solutions. The collective insights and strategies developed will aid in shaping future health policies to better serve the diverse needs of the Indian population.