Session 4: Improving Healthcare Systems and Healthcare Policy for Wellness: Creating Environments for Equity
This session focuses on the role of healthcare systems and healthcare policy in promoting wellness and reducing disparities. It examines policies related to healthcare access, social determinants of health, health equity, and their impact on wellness outcomes. Strategies for advocating for inclusive policies and fostering intersectoral collaboration will be explored. In this session, important questions to be discussed are:
- How can public policy initiatives, such as healthcare reform and social determinants of health interventions, contribute to reducing wellness disparities?
- What are some successful examples of policies that have improved access to wellness resources and services for marginalized populations?
- How can intersectoral collaboration and partnerships between policymakers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders be fostered to address wellness disparities?
- What are the potential barriers and challenges in implementing equitable public policies, and how can they be overcome?
- How to effectively advocate for community participation to influence public policy decisions in the prioritization of wellness equity and social justice?
Moderator:
Ms. Kaitlyn Richelle Johnson,
Darunsikkhalai School for Innovative Learning
Speakers:
Important points:
- Singapore launched a tiered mental health services model in 2022-2023, ranging from health promotion to psychiatric care.
- The "Beyond the Label" campaign aims to reduce mental health stigma through public education and community engagement.
- Intersectoral collaboration between government agencies and community organizations is key to implementing mental health initiatives.
1. Ms. Andrea Chan,
Head of TOUCH Mental Wellness at TOUCH Wellness Group, Singapore Charity Organisation
Important points:
- Bangkok is integrating health, safety, resilience and environmental concerns in its urban planning.
- The city is reforming its healthcare system to strengthen primary care and create a network of providers.
- Initiatives include expanding green spaces, improving walkability, and conducting mass health screenings to inform policy.
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tavida Kamolvej,
Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Thailand
Important points:
- Major barriers include financial, geographical, infrastructural, socio-cultural, and policy/governance issues.
- Strategies to promote equity include preventive care, health education, community-based programs, and improving healthcare policies.
- Leveraging technology like telehealth and AI can improve healthcare accessibility.
3. Dr. S. Gunenthira Rao,
Public Health Medicine Specialist, Senior Principal Assistant Director, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Important points:
- Despite widespread agreement on its importance, health inequity persists, as seen in COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
- Health technology assessment can evaluate interventions based on effectiveness, efficiency, and equity.
- New methods like distributional cost-effectiveness analysis can help identify interventions that are both cost-effective and improve equity.
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanrudee Isaranuwatchai,
Program Leader and Senior Researcher of the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program