Two-Day International Seminar (Hybrid) on Law and Governance of Global Healthcare in the Digital Age

Sree Narayana Law College, Puthenkavu, Poothotta P.O., Ernakulam, Kerala (recognised by the Bar Council of India, New Delhi, affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, owned and managed by SNDP Yogam 1103, NAAC Accredited), in association with the IQAC, SNLC Legal Aid Clinic and Chikithsaneethi, is organising a Two-Day International Seminar (Hybrid) on "Law and Governance of Global Healthcare in the Digital Age" on 08 and 09 August 2026 at Sree Narayana Law College, Ernakulam. The seminar carries the sub-theme "Navigating AI, Climate Justice, Human Rights and IPR" and is held under the banner "Justice, Innovation and Sustainability in Global Healthcare".

Sree Narayana Law College is named after the great social reformer, philosopher and saint Sree Narayana Guru (1854–1928), whose timeless message of equality, fraternity and social justice continues to inspire generations. Guided by his ideals of "One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man" and "Liberate oneself through education", the institution is committed to fostering legal education rooted in constitutional morality, human dignity and social transformation. The College strives to mould socially responsible legal professionals by promoting academic excellence, ethical values and commitment to justice. It is a constituent unit of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, and is recognised by the Bar Council of India, New Delhi. Since its inauguration on 24 October 2012 by Hon'ble Mr. Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan, Judge, Supreme Court of India, the institution has emerged as a centre of quality legal education in Kerala. The college is situated at Poothotta, a place associated with the legacy of Sree Narayana Guru.

The SNLC Legal Aid Clinic functions with the objective of promoting access to justice, legal literacy and social responsibility among students and the community. The Clinic actively engages in awareness programmes, outreach initiatives and legal assistance activities, embodying the constitutional vision of equal justice for all.

Chikithsaneethi is a registered charitable organization committed to promoting ethical healthcare, patient rights and equitable access to medical services. It undertakes awareness programmes, legal and medical guidance, patient support initiatives and advocacy for healthcare justice, striving to protect the dignity, rights and welfare of patients while fostering accountability and ethical practices within the healthcare system.

Healthcare systems across the world are witnessing a profound transformation in the digital age. The integration of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, digital platforms, health data systems, biotechnology, wearable technologies and automated governance mechanisms has reshaped the manner in which healthcare is delivered, regulated and accessed across jurisdictions. While these developments offer immense possibilities for efficiency, innovation and broader access to healthcare, they also generate complex legal and governance challenges. Questions concerning accountability, liability, data privacy, informed consent, cyber security, discrimination, regulatory oversight, competition law and ethical responsibility have become increasingly significant.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly influencing healthcare through diagnostic tools, predictive analytics, robotic surgery, administrative decision-making and insurance assessments. However, the use of AI also raises concerns regarding algorithmic bias, opacity in decision-making, medical negligence and the erosion of professional autonomy. Further, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) play a critical role in global healthcare governance. Issues relating to pharmaceutical patents, compulsory licensing, access to essential medicines, vaccine equity, biotechnology innovation, copyright in medical software and protection of traditional medical knowledge continue to shape the relationship between innovation and public welfare.

Simultaneously, climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing public health concerns of our time. Environmental degradation, extreme weather events, pandemics, displacement, water scarcity and food insecurity have severe implications for healthcare systems and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Climate justice is therefore inseparable from health justice. Moreover, healthcare remains deeply connected with human rights. The right to health, equality, dignity and non-discrimination are foundational principles that must guide legal responses to contemporary healthcare challenges. In this context, Sree Narayana Law College, in association with the SNLC Legal Aid Clinic, organizes this Two-Day International Seminar to provide a dynamic platform for academicians, jurists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, students and civil society representatives to deliberate upon emerging issues in the law and governance of global healthcare. The Seminar aims to promote interdisciplinary scholarship, informed policy dialogue and practical solutions for building equitable, accountable and sustainable healthcare systems for the future.

The Seminar shall broadly cover the following themes. The themes listed are only illustrative and not exhaustive; contributors are encouraged to explore allied issues connected with the broader theme of the seminar.

• 1. Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare Regulation: Liability for AI misdiagnosis; Algorithmic bias in healthcare systems; AI-assisted surgery and negligence; Informed consent in automated treatment; Regulation of medical AI tools.
• 2. Digital Governance of Healthcare: Telemedicine laws and policy; E-pharmacies and online healthcare services; Cross-border digital healthcare platforms; Smart hospitals and legal accountability; Digital divide and healthcare exclusion.
• 3. Health Data Protection and Cyber Law: Ownership of medical data; Privacy rights of patients; Cybersecurity in hospitals; Cross-border transfer of health data; Surveillance through wearable technologies.
• 4. Intellectual Property Rights and Healthcare: Pharmaceutical patents and public health; Access to affordable medicines; Compulsory licensing in emergencies; Vaccine patents and global equity; Biotechnology and patent law; Traditional knowledge and healthcare innovation; Copyright in healthcare software and databases.
• 5. Climate Justice and Public Health Governance: Climate change and right to health; Environmental disasters and emergency healthcare law; Climate migrants and healthcare access; State responsibility for environmental health harm; Sustainable healthcare systems.
• 6. Human Rights and Access to Healthcare: Constitutional right to health; Universal healthcare frameworks; Equality and non-discrimination in healthcare; Rights of vulnerable communities; Health rights during pandemic and emergencies.
• 7. Gender, Disability and Inclusive Health Systems: Reproductive rights and bodily autonomy; Disability-inclusive healthcare law; Transgender healthcare rights; Mental healthcare and dignity; Elder care and vulnerable persons.
• 8. Medical Ethics and Professional Responsibility: Medical negligence and malpractice; Doctor-patient relationship; End-of-life decisions and euthanasia; Professional ethics in digital medicine; Clinical accountability frameworks.
• 9. Emerging Biolegal Frontiers: Genetic medicine and regulation; Robotics in healthcare; Longevity and anti-aging medicine law; Neurotechnology and mental privacy; Human enhancement and legal ethics.

• Examine contemporary legal challenges in global healthcare systems.
• Analyse governance issues arising from AI and digital technologies.
• Explore IPR concerns relating to medicines and innovation.
• Study climate justice as an emerging healthcare issue.
• Promote discourse on healthcare as a human right.
• Encourage interdisciplinary academic research.
• Develop policy-oriented recommendations for equitable healthcare systems.
• Foster collaboration among scholars, professionals and institutions.

The Seminar invites participation and research papers from:

• Academicians
• Advocates
• Judges / Judicial Officers
• Medical Professionals
• Researchers
• Policy Experts
• Students (UG / PG / PhD)
• NGOs / Civil Society Representatives

All submissions shall be mailed to snlclegalaidclinic@gmail.com.

Abstract Submission:

• Abstract shall not exceed 500 words.
• Must include: Title of the Paper; Name(s) of Author(s); Designation / Institution; Email Address; and 3 to 5 Keywords.
• Co-authorship is permitted up to one author.
• Submission shall be in .doc / .docx format.

Full Paper Submission:

• Word Limit: 4000–7000 words (excluding footnotes).
• Font: Times New Roman, Size 12.
• Line Spacing: 1.5.
• Citation Style: Bluebook 21st Edition.
• Original and unpublished work only.
• Plagiarism shall lead to rejection.

Registration fees (Presenter / Co-author) are as follows:

• Students and Research Scholars: Presenter Rs 750; Co-author Rs 550.
• Academicians / Professionals: Presenter Rs 1000; Co-author Rs 850.
• International Scholars: Presenter USD 25; Co-author USD 25.
• Participation Fee (attendance only): Rs 200 (Certificate will be provided).

Maximum one co-author is permitted per paper.

Selected outstanding papers may be recommended for publication, subject to peer review and editorial screening, in a special issue on "Law and Governance of Global Healthcare in The Digital Age".

Best Paper Awards shall be presented under the following categories: Academician Category, Research Scholar Category and Student Category. The awards shall be based on originality, relevance to the theme, quality of analysis and presentation. Certificates of Merit shall also be awarded to selected presenters.