East Asian countries have gained global attention for achieving rapid economic growth while avoiding an increase in disparities among their populations. It is believed that UHC (Universal Health Coverage) has played a significant role in this achievement.
Excluding advanced countries that had already experienced economic growth, East Asian countries are also among those that achieved UHC in the post-war era.
Establishing UHC is a major policy goal, and the path to its establishment, as well as its maintenance and operation, is of great interest to those involved in healthcare.
Dragon Net is a network formed by the voluntary gathering of researchers and practitioners from various countries with UHC as its theme.
After the establishment of UHC, Dragon Net has recently addressed new challenges, such as dealing with an aging population with fewer children, ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare delivery system including financing systems and personnel, and emergency responses like those required during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, the Dragon Net 25th Anniversary Conference is scheduled to be held in Japan, where the 1st Dragon Net Conference took place 25 years ago.
The conference will reflect on the journey of Dragon Net and will discuss the future direction of its activities, incorporating the perspectives of the younger generation.
We look forward to your participation.
Toshihiko Hasegawa, M.D., Ph.D.