International Symposium on Health Governance in a Political Landscape: Interplay of Health Law, Society and Political Economy 

The Centre for Justice, Law, and Society (CJLS) and Jindal Global Law Review (JGLR) at Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), O.P. Jindal Global University and the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) at the Indian Institute for Foreign Trade (established by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India) and WTO Chairs Programme (India Chair) are collaborating on an international Symposium among scholars, activists, policymakers and students on the intricate relationship between health law and political economy. CJLS adopts queer intersectional feminist approaches and builds future feminist leaders through the creation of spaces that facilitate conversations for critical engagement with the law. Our approach combines research, education, with activism and advocacy, and recognises the importance of interdisciplinary engagement with the law.

The global landscape of health and its governance is undergoing a profound transformation, necessitating a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between health law and political economy. Against the backdrop of a post-COVID-19 pandemic world, the imperatives for sustainable and equitable health outcomes have never been more pressing. The symbiotic interplay between health and political economy lays the groundwork for transformative health policies. On reflection, health is not just a matter of medical concern; it is a fundamental right intricately linked with political, economic and social structures. The commitment to equity in healthcare access necessitates an intersectional understanding that transcends traditional boundaries, acknowledging the varied challenges faced by marginalized groups. This intersectional approach entails not only an evidence-based approach but also a rights-based legal framework to serve as a linchpin for recalibrating healthcare enforcement mechanisms. Within the framework of neoliberalism, key principles of free market capitalism, deregulation, privatization, globalization, revolve around the commodification of health services and a strong emphasis on market-driven efficiency. Further, the disciplines within the World Trade Organization (WTO) multilateral trading system including those mentioned in GATT, GATS, TRIPS, TBT, and SPS provide limited flexibility for domestic regulatory space to ensure access to healthcare, particularly public health. 

The Symposium aims to critically examine the intersections of healthcare delivery, legal frameworks, global relations, and socio-economic dynamics, with a vision to reshape narratives and drive tangible change. It seeks to spark ongoing dialogue and advocacy, envisioning a future where health is universally recognized as a right and where political and economic systems prioritize the upliftment of marginalized communities. As discussions evolve, the Symposium emphasizes the need to navigate the complexities of global health governance, keeping in mind its profound impact on individual lives and societal structures.

THE ARTWORK FOR THE SYMPOSIUM HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY MITHLESH SHYAM, A GOND ARTIST FROM MADHYA PRADESH