Medsin National Conference 2006

Bristol, 27th-29th October

Health Is A Human Right

Presentations from Plenary Speakers Available Now

Extraordinary meeting of Medsin-UK

Results from evaluation at the national conference

Health is a Human Right

Medsin's National Conference was held this year in Bristol and was a great success. 350 students from around the UK came together to discuss the statement 'Health is a Human Right' at an weekend wholly organised by Medsin-Bristol.

Medsin conference delegates spent two days involved in education, discussion and debate and came together on Sunday evening to demonstrate their belief in 'Health as a human right'. They stood together to make a statement, to demonstrate that the next generation of healthcare professionals considers health as a global issue and is going to take action to improve health worldwide.

The right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of health is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a fundamental human right. Along with this it is incorporated into the universal declaration of human rights and over 100 national constitutions. The right to health is increasingly seen as an important tool for health advocacy as well as for improving health policy globally.

  • Plenary one looked into the consumption of tobacco and how this impacts upon global health. This session gave a unique insight into the activities of the tobacco industry. The session kick-started much debate and left delegates feeling that strong action is required in the years to come.

  • Plenary two looked at the role of non-governmental organisations in humanitarian crises. Many difficult and challenging questions were posed and we heard from professionals working with Medecins Du Monde in Darfur and the International Red Cross.

  • Plenary three examined the hugely topical issue of healthworker migration.

  • Plenary four summed up the discussions of the whole conference and looked at why human rights should matter to doctors and healthcare practitioners of the future. Sir Alexander Macara chaired the session and imparted much wisdom picked up over many years as a public health physician.

The Medsin network goes from strength to strength. This weekend saw not only education, but the launch of a new Medsin project, the continuation of Medsin's campaigns and increased participation from all branches. If you missed out this weekend, we look forward to welcoming you to Newcastle in March for our Global Health Conference.

Photos of the Weekend are available in the Photo Gallery section of the website.

Last updated on Monday 08 September 2008 at 18:47.