1st National Health Writers & Communicators Convention
The 1st National HEAL convention was held on April 11-12, 2008 at ASSOCHAM House, New Delhi. The convention was organized with the objective of addressing serious issues like responsible reporting of health-related stories. More than 100 health writers, communicators and broadcasters from SAARC nations participated in the convention.
2nd National Health Writers & Communicators Convention
Leading lights of the Indian Healthcare sector, including eminent doctors, researchers, academicians and administrators came together for the 2nd National Health Writers & Communicators Convention held at India International Centre, Max Muller Marg, New Delhi. Spread over 3 days (September 23-25, 2009), the convention saw participants discussing and clearly defining health issues the country is facing.
3rd National Health Writers & Communicators Convention
A three-day day 3rd National Health Writers and Editors Convention held at Amby Valley, Maharashtra from August 30, 2013, saw the largest gathering of health writers from across India; a galaxy of doctors and health experts delivered insightful talks on topics ranging from heart diseases to diabetes, nutrition to wonders of milk and from how to glean data from medical journals to the digital media. The talks were interspersed with debates, quizzes, interactive and fun sessions.
4th National Health Writers & Editors Convention
The Fourth National Health Writers and Editors Convention (NHWEC) held at Country Inn, Goa in September 2014, presented an excellent opportunity to health writers across the country to network, connect and update themselves in the finer nuances of health journalism. The convention, which offered deep insights into trends shaping the healthcare sector in India, received an overwhelming response from health writers and stake holders.
The issues discussed at the convention, which included disease management, critical care delivery, health insurance, data mining and healthy snacking, spanned the entire gamut of the healthcare spectrum. One of the key takeaways from the discussions was that health writers have a very important role to play in putting these issues at the centre of the nation’s conscience.
5th National Health Writers & Editors Convention
The 5th Health Writers and Editors Convention, organized at Hyderabad from 9th to 11th November, brought together stakeholders from different sectors of the healthcare industry – public sector, private sector, associations, media, healthcare delivery solution providers, medical device manufacturers, doctors, entrepreneurs, technology experts etc. The convention was supported by the Department of Health, Medical & Family Welfare, Govt. of Telangana. An enthusiastic participation from all our associates and delegates made it a resounding success.
6th National Health Writers & Editors Convention
The 6th National Health Writers and Editors Convention was organised at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dwarka, Delhi from 18th to 20th December 2018. It brought together stakeholders of the different sectors of the healthcare industry – public sector, private sector, associations, media, healthcare delivery solution providers, doctors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and technology experts etc. This convention was organised when healthcare had hit a rare sweet spot as in the Union Budget of 2018 – Ayushman Bharat’ was introduced. Enthusiastic participants from across the sectors participated and discussed the emerging health issues at length. The convention lasted for two days spreading over 10 various sessions, which comprised topics ranging from ‘The Menace of Fake Health News & Role of Media’ to ‘Ageing India: The Growing Need for Elder Care’.
7th National Health Writers & Editors Convention
The 7th National Health Writers and Editors Convention was organised at Radisson Blu Marina Hotel, Connaught Place, New Delhi from 26th to 28th September 2019. As per its track record, the convention has been raising the pressing health issues since its inception at the national level. The 7th in the series has marked another important milestone in discussing and deliberating health issues that are currently relevant to India. The convention deliberated on important topics ranging from nutrition to agriculture and Ayushman Bharat to organ donation. While the information and gaining knowledge are important, the cornerstone that will determine the success of healthcare reporting is accuracy, especially in an era where social media can bend minds and dangerously influence people through false news on medicine, cures, treatment options and, more alarming, self-treatment. It ended with abundant take-home messages for everyone who participated from across the spectrum.
8th National Health Writers & Influencers Convention
The 8th National Health Writers & Influencers Convention (NHWIC-2024) held at AIIMS, New Delhi, stands as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of health communication in India. This prestigious two-day event convened a distinguished gathering of healthcare writers, influencers, and thought leaders, united by a common purpose: to empower individuals with knowledge and inspire a healthier future for all.
In the realm of health communication in India, HEAL Foundation stands as a beacon of transformative impact. Established with a steadfast commitment to fostering meaningful communication among journalists, health communicators, research scientists, doctors, and policymakers, HEAL has been at the forefront of conceptualising and implementing comprehensive education and intervention-based health awareness campaigns.
