I would like to greet the participants of MHIAPSMIPHACON 2026, "Universal Health Care: Bridging Gaps in Urban & Rural Health". As the Director of Medical Education and Research, Maharashtra, and the Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, I appreciate the Department of Community Medicine, Seth G.S. Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), and the Indian Public Health Association (IPHA) for convening this critical dialogue.

India’s healthcare journey is complex and deeply connected to the realities people face every day—overcrowded cities, limited services in rural areas, and a growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Education, research, and equity are the pillars to overcome these challenges.

Based on these pillars, the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences and the Department of Medical Education and Research remain committed to nurturing a health system that is responsive and inclusive. This includes strengthening medical education by integrating public health and community medicine into curricula, encouraging research collaborations that address local and regional health needs, and expanding training opportunities for healthcare workers serving underserved and remote areas.

This conference will focus on strengthening primary healthcare, digital health initiatives, and inter-sectoral partnerships, and will deliver a roadmap towards Universal Health Coverage. Let us transform ideas into action—innovate affordable models, empower grassroots workers, and prioritize prevention.