The 2019 World Conference on Access to Medical Products was held in New Delhi from 19th-21st November, as a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and influential organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), and Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI). The conference was the third of its kind following previous meetings in 2017 and 2018.
The Purpose of the Conference
In keeping with the central theme – Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, the conference aimed to further both international and national dialogues on access to medical products. This event gathered key stakeholders to discuss four main objectives:
1. Examining new innovations in medical products to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and meet SDG 2030 goals.
2. Identifying regulatory mechanisms that would improve access to quality and safe medical products.
3. Analyzing the role of intellectual property rights and ongoing trade agreements in promoting access to medical products.
4. Assessing the implementation of recommendations from the 2018 World Conference for achieving UHC within the context of SDGs.
Universal Health Coverage and Innovation
The first objective was to explore innovative approaches in the medical landscape. With UHC being an integral part of SDG 3- Good Health and Well-being, this objective emphasized that health is a major concern shared by all 17 SDGs. The meeting undertook the task of examining how evolving technology and innovation could help achieve UHC and the broader aim of SDG 2030.
Regulation of Medical Products
The second objective highlighted the need for effective regulatory mechanisms to ensure improved access to safe and quality medical products. The importance of reliable and well-regulated medical products was stressed upon, offering an avenue for discourse on the current regulatory infrastructure.
Legal Landscape and Trade Aspects
The third objective dealt with the role of intellectual property rights and trade agreements in facilitating access to medical products. This incorporated discussion around the need for an efficient legal framework and the impact of current trade agreements on access to medical products.
Some Key Facts
| Year | Venue | Key Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | New Delhi | First World Conference on Access to Medical Products |
| 2018 | New Delhi | Second World Conference, focus on achieving UHC within SDG context |
| 2019 | New Delhi | Third World Conference, focus on assessing implementation of 2018 conference recommendations |
Tracking the Progress
Lastly, the conference aimed to track the progress of the recommendations put forth in the 2018 World Conference. This involved evaluating how these recommendations have been implemented to meet UHC goals in line with SDGs. The central theme of achieving SDG 2030 resonated throughout the event as it tracked past progress and planned future objectives.
