Natl Health Assembly to be organised in Bhopal

New Delhi, Mar 4: A three-day National Assembly aimed at promoting the right to healthcare and confront the ill-effects of globalisation on the Health of the people would be organised in Bhopal from March 23 to 25.

The second National Assembly being organised by the Jan Swasthya Sansthan would be attended by health activists from all over the country and abroad. It would re-examine the debates around health and globalization and sharpen the analysis of health rights and their violations.

The Assembly would also deliberate on access to Essential Drugs, especially in the context of the global trading regime and social determinants of health. Privatisation of medical care and its regulation, women and children's right to healthcare along with those of the marginalised groups would be discussed at the assembly.

It would also assess the impact of new technologies on health.

The major theme for the National Health Assembly would be 'Defending the Health of People in the Era of Globalisation'. It is expected to be attended by over 2,000 delegates from India, South Asia and other parts of the world who would share their experiences and link with global initiatives that promote the right to healthcare for all.

JSA, comprises of national networks and organisations that had come together to organise the first National Health Assembly in Calcutta in November, 2000. It forms the Indian regional circle of the global People's Health Movement which was set up after the People's Health Assembly in Dhaka in December 2000.

After the NHA-I, the JSA has travelled some distance with a few successful landmarks and the assembly would take stock of these changes and collectively formulate comprehensive yet detailed alternative demands and strategies like the People's Health Plan.

It would also reinforce its process of dialogue with the political decision makers as key players in the formulation of health policy.

At the same time, the campaign would also assess and analyse its organisational strengths and expand to fulfill the challenges before it.

UNI