What are the 'HELT Talks' ?
HELT stands for Health, Law, and Technology – three broad subject areas that intersect each other in discourses around improving quality and access to health care, or advancing medical research beyond the state-of-the-art. Following on the success of the HELT Symposium, our annual flagship event which brings together representatives from the academia, industry, research organisations, healthcare professionals and policymakers, the HELT Talks was conceived as a year-round (monthly) event, providing a dynamic platform for thought-provoking discussions and stimulating debates on the future of digital health and care, through the prism of regulatory responses and relevant policy initiatives.
What is the typical format of a session at HELT Talks?
HELT Talks sessions are typically divided into two parts. In the first part, each speaker gives a presentation on a specific topic, touching upon particular challenges and open issues around the integration of technology in the realm of health care that require delving into legal and regulatory frameworks. The second part of the session aims at encouraging a deeper level of reflection on the topic under discussion, through organic conversations between the speakers and the audience.
What kind of topics are covered at HELT Talks?
HELT Talks cover a breadth of topics on law, health and technology, ranging from legal challenges for the use of health data and regulatory issues concerning advanced medical technology, to the use of artificial intelligence in medicine, data governance and data extraterritoriality in health care.
TALK of the Month
28 February 2025 | 13.00 - 15.00
Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring Equitable Access to Healthcare in the Digital Era
Technological innovation in recent years has opened up new opportunities for the delivery of health and care services. Over the past decades, we have witnessed significant advancements in digital technologies within the health sector, leading to improved treatments and services. Advanced digital health technologies are widely recognized for their potential to revolutionize the health sector and generate significant economic and societal value. However, despite the unstoppable progress of these technologies, there are substantial barriers to accessing comprehensive and inclusive healthcare services in the EU. Discrimination, stigma, and a lack of understanding among health and care practitioners can result in inadequate or even denied care for people in vulnerable situations. This also impacts access to broader determinants of health, such as housing and employment opportunities, preventing the full realization of the right to health and related fundamental rights in the digital era.
Equal access to healthcare services for all individuals is a critical issue recognized by society. Given the inevitability of healthcare innovation, it is imperative to address existing inequalities and implement digital inclusion strategies to mitigate these issues and prevent further vulnerability for all. This month's HELT talk will delve into digital rights in the healthcare sector, analyzing the social determinants of digital health and discussing how various stakeholders can help overcome current challenges in healthcare and health promotion, ensuring that nobody is left behind.
Speakers
Mr. SASCHA MARSCHANG
European Hospital and Healthcare Federation (HOPE) , Health Action International
With more than 15 years’ experience of working in the EU health policy bubble, including as Deputy Director and Acting Secretary General of the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and Senior Advisor at the European Hospital and Healthcare Federation (HOPE), Sascha is particularly interested in how the digital transformation of health and care is impacting on public health and health equity. Through his work, he advocates for ethical, user-centric and inclusive approaches to digital health with the aim of improving health outcomes and protecting the fundamental rights of all people in Europe. Digital solutions and AI should benefit all of society regardless of individuals’ health or legal status, background or age. Joining the Network in an independent capacity, Sascha is looking forward to sharing and gaining new insights into how Europe’s new rulebooks on AI, the European Health Data Space and cybersecurity will influence everyday experiences of healthcare.
Location
VUB Main Campus | U-Residence (Green Room)
Address: Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Etterbeek, Brussels
Direct access to U-Residence via Generaal Jacqueslaan 271 (Entrance 9)
Registration
This is an in-person event, free of charge for all participants.
Registration to the event is mandatory. You can register here: HELT Talk 5 Registration Form
Contact
Interested to learn more about HELT Talks and what’s up next? Contact Ashwinee Kumar at ashwinee.kumar@vub.be