This policy dialogue was unique in that it brought together ten former Health Secretaries and other stakeholders, including the government and associated institutions, the private sector, academicians, public health practitioners, researchers, and partners to reflect on key issues of India’s health system. The genesis of the policy dialogue can be traced to acknowledging the pivotal role played by Health Secretaries – at the Central and State level - in shaping health policy and programmes. The policy dialogue sought to engage with former policymakers; facilitate sharing of insights based on their rich and varied experience; provide a platform for the exchange of views; generate alternate and novel ideas to strengthen the health system of the country and, identify areas for future health systems research and practice.

The dialogue was designed in the form of moderated panel discussions with the former Health Secretaries on five inter-linked health systems themes, namely: • Centre State Relations in Health • Leveraging the Private Health Sector Towards Universal Health Coverage • Is Health Insurance the Way Forward for India to achieve Universal Health Coverage? • Aligning Human Resources with Universal Health Coverage • Importance of data, the role of technology in healthcare delivery.