PMAC 2020: The Role of Digital Health in Achieving Universal Health Coverage

The Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) is an annual international conference focusing on policy-related health issues. In support of this year’s conference theme, Accelerating Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage, ACCESS Health Southeast Asia and its partners FHI360 are organizing a side meeting on the role of digital health in achieving universal health coverage.

All ten countries in ASEAN have committed to the achievement of universal health coverage, a goal that defines and manifests the principle of health as a human right. Despite strong commitment and action, universal health coverage is difficult to achieve and sustain, with trade-offs made between accessibility, affordability, and quality. There is increasing interest in the role of digital technology to achieve universal health coverage. While many governments have created national digital health strategies, with varying degrees of success, there is an opportunity to share knowledge on contributors and barriers to successful implementation. There is also an opportunity to discuss the role of the private sector, both for profit and nonprofit, in helping governments to avoid missteps and most effectively implement digital health programs.

The session has two parts. First, an expert panel will investigate the key strategic priorities facing governments and partners in mapping and implementing digital health systems. Second, an interactive session will allow participants to tour three successful digital health applications and directly discuss the tactical challenges they overcame during planning and implementation.

Find out more about the event on the conference website: pmac2020.com