I am extremely happy to welcome all the delegates of MHIAPSMIPHACON 2026: “Universal Health Care: Bridging Gaps in Urban & Rural Health.” It gives me immense pleasure to appreciate the Department of Community Medicine, Seth GS Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (MH) and Indian Association of Public Health (MH) for organising this academic feast.

As a leading tertiary health care institution, Seth GSMC & KEM Hospital plays a critical role not only in advanced clinical care but also in providing equitable health services. “Universal Health Care: Bridging Gaps in Urban & Rural Health” is a moral as well as professional responsibility of all academic medical institutions.

Institutions like Seth GSMC & KEM Hospital are committed to training socially responsible medical students and acting as a knowledge hub for healthcare fraternities in both rural and urban areas. This MHIAPSMIPHACON 2026 conference is an important milestone in the journey of the institution as a Centre of Excellence.

I am very confident that the Department of Community Medicine of Seth GSMC & KEMH, IAPSM and IPHA will make the MHIAPSMIPHACON 2026 conference a powerhouse of resources needed to bridge the gaps existing in urban and rural health.