I am happy to learn that "27th Maharashtra Chapter of IAPSMIPHA Conference is being hosted by the Department of Community Medicine and as part of centenary year celebrations one of the prestigious institutes Seth G. S. Medical College and K.E.M Hospital.

Mumbai's journey as a megacity reminds us every day that health is shaped not just by hospitals, but by where and how people live and the role of public health department and tertiary care hospital managed by medical colleges become crucial in delivering health care. Therefore, delivery of health care at primary, secondary and tertiary level and continuous monitoring of the same is essential to fill the gaps if there are any. I would like to endorse themes that are addressed in the conference "Universal Care: Bridging Gaps in Urban & Rural Health" is relevant for delivering health care.

I would like to appreciate and extend my greetings to Dr. Sangeeta Ravat, Dean, Seth GSMC and KEM Hospital Mumbai for this conference and organizing committee of MHIAPSMIPHACON 2026. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is proud to support this pivotal conference which seeks to address and challenge the barriers to affordable and equitable healthcare access across its diverse landscapes.

I welcome all dignitaries, speakers and delegates of this conference in Mumbai city. Hope this conference will provide a platform for eminent public health experts, academicians, policymakers, and administrators to discuss the practical challenges in health care and also to find solutions to bridge the gaps in universal coverage of health care.

I sincerely appreciate the Department of Community Medicine, Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra Chapter of Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine and Maharashtra Branch of the Indian Association of Public Health for organizing the conference.