A blog by Dr Gurpreet Singh Kalra and Shawn D. Mathis, members of cohort 1 of the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership
Global Healthcare Gap
The right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health was set out in the 1946 Constitution of the World Health Organization. Access to high-quality, evidence-informed, healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet this goal remains out of reach for many individuals and communities worldwide. A case in point is infectious diseases like Malaria and Tuberculosis, while curable, remain diseases of poverty and certain populations continue to carry a heavy burden, according to WHO (World Health Organization) report State of inequality: HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria 2021. Despite the efforts by organizations like the World Health Organization, the global healthcare gap persists, both between low-and middle-income countries and within developed countries and regions, including advanced economies.
Oxford Global Healthcare Network
To narrow this gap, the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and Saïd Business School have brought together global healthcare stakeholders from diverse sectors to equip and engage in addressing global healthcare challenges as participants in the Master of Science in Global Healthcare Leadership at the University of Oxford. The inaugural cohort on the programme currently consists of 35 participants from 21 nationalities, from diverse healthcare-related sectors, with an average age of 43 and an average of 16 years of experience. While the teaching is of high scientific and professional standard, much learning occurs from peer-to-peer engagement.
The cohort have been exposed to the complex adaptive challenges to healthcare inequity and the science and art of resolving these difficult problems. Reflecting on their diverse range of skills and experiences, the cohort members have come together to find a common purpose through this opportunity, leverage connections with one of the most influential universities in the world and give back to the world by setting up the Oxford Global Healthcare Network.
Our VISION and PLANS
Our vision is to make a difference in global healthcare by contributing towards reducing healthcare inequity. The Oxford Global Healthcare Network will engage stakeholders from diverse sectors and nationalities to promote a global and collaborative approach to healthcare challenges. Our ultimate goal is to establish a foundation for ongoing initiatives that continue long after the time of study occurs in the programme.
The Oxford Global Healthcare Network is committed to promoting meaningful change in global healthcare, and we have identified several key initiatives that we plan to undertake as part of our efforts:
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Providing access to healthcare education and training for underserved populations: One of the most effective ways to promote healthcare equity is to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have access to high-quality education and training opportunities. As such, we plan to develop and implement programs that provide healthcare education and training to individuals in underserved communities around the world.
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Conducting leading-edge research to identify innovative solutions to healthcare challenges: The Oxford Global Healthcare Network is committed to staying at the forefront of healthcare innovation, and we plan to invest in research that helps to identify innovative solutions to some of the most pressing healthcare challenges facing the world today. By conducting rigorous and innovative research, we hope to make significant contributions to global healthcare.
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Advocating for policy changes that promote healthcare equity: In addition to providing education and conducting research, the Oxford Global Healthcare Network also plans to advocate for policy changes that promote healthcare equity. By using our collective expertise and influence to engage with policymakers at the local, national, and international levels, we can help to shape policies that create a more equitable healthcare system for all.
A Unique opportunity
I am truly impressed by the passion, dedication, and diverse range of expertise that has led to the formation of the Oxford Global Healthcare Network. I look forward to working with the OGHN as it develops and establishes itself further.Professor Kamal Mahtani, Academic Director of the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership
One of the key strengths of the Oxford Global Healthcare Network is its participants' diverse perspectives and expertise. With representatives from 21 countries and diverse healthcare-related sectors, our network is uniquely positioned to bring a global and collaborative approach to healthcare challenges. Additionally, our connection with the University of Oxford, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, provides us with access to best research practices, learning, and expertise that we can leverage to make a meaningful impact in global healthcare.
Poor health of people makes a poor economy, and a poor economy makes poor health. However, by working together to address healthcare challenges, we have the potential to break this vicious cycle and create a brighter future for all. The Oxford Global Healthcare Network is committed to contributing towards this effort, and we invite you to join us on this journey towards creating positive change in the world.
If you would like to know more about the OGHN, then please contact Gurpreet Kalra on Gurpreet.kalra@stx.ox.ac.uk or Shawn D. Mathis on Shawn.Mathis.MGHL22@said.oxford.edu.
The Steering Committee Team
Gurpreet KalraConsultant and Clinical Director, Wales Fertility Institute, UK |
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OlAMIDE FolorunsoVaccine management and health outcomes, UNICEF |