National Conference On Medical Law, Policy And Ethics 2025 (MEDLAWCON 2025)

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National Conference On Medical Law, Policy And Ethics 2025 (MEDLAWCON 2025)

‘Balancing Rights and Responsibilities: Legal Protections for Medical Professionals and Patients in India’s Healthcare System’ Organised by GNLU Centre for Healthcare, Ethics, Legal Advocacy and Policy Research

Conference Overview

GNLU Centre for Healthcare, Ethics, Legal Advocacy and Policy Research the latest addition to the Centres of Excellence at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar, is organizing the 2nd edition of the National Conference on Medical Law, Policy, and Ethics, aimed at addressing the legal protections and responsibilities of medical professionals and patients in India’s healthcare system. This conference will bring together legal experts, medical professionals, scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage in discussions that explore the balance between rights and responsibilities in the healthcare context.

In an era of rapid medical advancements and evolving legal and ethical frameworks, the intersection of healthcare, law, and ethics presents growing challenges. The conference will serve as a platform to examine critical issues, such as legal and ethical dimensions of healthcare decision-making, patient rights, professional accountability, and the impact of new technologies on medical practices.

By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, the conference aims to develop practical solutions that safeguard patient rights, ensure ethical medical practice, and promote accountability. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share research, and contribute to shaping policies that uphold both patient care and professional responsibility.

About Gujarat National Law University

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), located in Gandhinagar, India, was established by the Government of Gujarat under the Gujarat National Law University Act, 2003. Recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), GNLU is renowned for its strong emphasis on academics and research. As a multidisciplinary and student-centric institution, GNLU creates an intellectually stimulating environment that fosters critical thinking and innovative problem-solving, making it a premier destination for legal education and research in India.

GNLU offers a diverse range of programs, including integrated undergraduate degrees such as B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), B.Com., LL.B. (Hons.), B.Sc., LL.B. (Hons.), B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), and B.S.W., LL.B., alongside postgraduate degrees like LL.M. and Ph.D. in law and allied fields. The university’s dedication to academic excellence is reflected in its consistent ranking among the top National Law Universities in India, including a Top 5 position in the NIRF 2023 Rankings and recognition as the Best Law School in Gujarat with a 5-star rating by GSIRF.

GNLU is home to 21 Centres of Excellence, each focusing on specific niche areas such as environmental law, intellectual property, and public international law, contributing to cutting-edge research and policy development. Additionally, GNLU is the only National Law University to establish a satellite campus in Silvassa, UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu, furthering its mission to provide high-quality legal education across diverse regions of India.

The Centre for Health Law, Policy, and Research at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) was established on 28th September 2024 as a Centre of Excellence, focused on advancing health law, policy, and ethics. With a vision to lead in the development of ethical frameworks, legal standards, and evidence-based healthcare policies, the Centre aims to address key challenges at the intersection of law and medicine. It strives to safeguard patient rights, promote equitable healthcare, and ensure ethical medical practices through research, education, and advocacy.

Building on the success of GNLU’s Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Law, Policy, and Ethics, offered exclusively for doctors since 2023, the Centre will now incorporate this program as part of its broader mandate. The Diploma program has been instrumental in equipping medical professionals with a deeper understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in their practice. The Centre will expand on this foundation by offering specialized training, certificate courses, and public awareness initiatives, creating a comprehensive platform for professionals and the public alike to engage with health law and policy.

The Centre also aims to collaborate with government bodies, policymakers, and healthcare institutions to drive evidence-based reforms. Through research publications, policy recommendations, and training programs, it aims to play a key role in shaping healthcare regulations, ensuring patient safety, and promoting accountability. By fostering national and international partnerships, the Centre seeks to create lasting impact within the healthcare system, advancing both legal standards and medical practices.

Objectives

The main objective of this conference is to bring together legal professionals, medical professionals and policymakers and serve as a platform for deliberations and dissemination of knowledge. The specific objectives include-

  1. To provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, research findings, and best practices focused on balancing the rights and responsibilities of medical professionals and patients within India’s healthcare system.
  2. To identify and address critical issues and emerging trends in medical law, policy, and ethics, with an emphasis on legal protections and accountability for both healthcare providers and patients.
  3. To encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among legal, medical, and ethical professionals, fostering a comprehensive approach to resolving healthcare challenges while ensuring equitable treatment for all stakeholders.
  4. To contribute to the development of evidence-based legal frameworks and policies that protect patient rights, promote professional responsibility, and uphold ethical standards in healthcare practices.

Eligibility

The conference welcomes participation from individuals and organizations involved in or interested in the field of medical law, policy, and ethics, including but not limited to:

  • Healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc.)
  • Legal practitioners and experts
  • Academics and researchers
  • Policy analysts and policymakers
  • Ethicists and bioethics professionals
  • Forensic Experts
  • Patient advocacy groups
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in healthcare and legal sectors
  • Government representatives and regulatory bodies

Themes and Sub-themes

Theme: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities: Legal Protections for Medical Professionals and Patients in India’s Healthcare System

Sub-themes:

1. Legal Protections for Healthcare Providers

  • Workplace Safety for Healthcare Providers: Legal protections for the well-being of doctors and nurses.
  • Legal Safeguards for Medical Professionals Against Violence: Addressing the rise in violence against doctors and hospital staff.
  • Vandalism of Healthcare Facilities: Legal remedies and policies to safeguard medical properties.
  • Immunity for Medical Professionals During Public Health Crises: Understanding legal protections in pandemic and disaster situations.
  • Insurance Schemes for Doctors and Hospitals: Legal frameworks for safeguarding property and personal liability.
  • Doctors’ Right to Refuse Treatment: Legal grounds and ethical implications.
  • Mental Health and Legal Support for Doctors: Legal frameworks for addressing stress, burnout, and mental well-being of medical professionals.

2. Medical Liability and Accountability

  • Medical Negligence and Its Consequences: Balancing accountability for medical professionals while ensuring fairness.
  • The Role of the Law in Addressing Medical Errors: How should the legal system respond to honest mistakes in healthcare?
  • Vicarious Liability of Hospitals: Legal protection for individual practitioners in cases of institutional negligence.
  • Medical Malpractice and the Right to Compensation: A review of civil and criminal liabilities in India.
  • Legal Recourse for Medical Professionals in Defamation Cases: Addressing false claims and defamation in healthcare practice.

3. Patient Rights and Medical Ethics

  • Patient Rights to Informed Consent and Refusal of Treatment: Legal standards and the medical professional’s responsibilities.
  • Right to Privacy and Confidentiality of Patient Data: Legal obligations of medical professionals to protect patient information.
  • Professional Autonomy vs. Patient Rights: Navigating conflicts between a doctor’s clinical judgment and a patient’s demands.
  • Right to Palliative Care and Dignity in Death: Legal and ethical considerations in end-of-life care.
  • Patient’s Right to Informed Consent: Legal standards and practical challenges in clinical settings.
  • The Right to Second Opinions: Legal implications for healthcare practitioners.

4. Legal Frameworks in Healthcare and Patient Safeguards

  • Legal Framework for Patient Grievance Redressal: Reviewing the Consumer Protection Act and its impact on healthcare.
  • Right to Affordable Healthcare: Legal obligations of the state under Ayushman Bharat and related schemes.
  • Patient Rights in Clinical Trials: Legal protections against exploitation.
  • Protection of Vulnerable Patients: Legal measures for safeguarding children, specially-abled, elderly, and mentally ill patients.

Important Dates

Submission of abstract30th October, 2024
Intimation of selection4th November, 2024
Registration4th – 11th November, 2024
Last date of Registration11th November, 2024
Full paper submission7th January, 2025
Conference dates11th & 12th January, 2025

Venue of the Conference

The conference is happening offline mode at Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar. The address is as below;

Gujarat National Law University, Attalika Avenue Knowledge Corridor, PDPU Rd, Koba, Gujarat 382421.

ParticularsRegistration Fee
Registration fee for Professionals [Presenters]INR 3,000/-
Registration fee for students [Presenters]INR 1,000/-
Registration fee for GNLU students [Presenters & Delegates]INR 500/-
Registration fee for Delegates [Non-presenters]INR 2,000/-

Submission Guidelines for Abstract

  • Paper Categories
    • Research Articles: Original research papers that present substantial contributions to the field.
    • Review papers: Comprehensive and critical analysis of existing research, theories, concepts, or practices within a specific field or topic.
  • Language: Submissions are accepted in English only.
  • Abstract: 250-300 words (to be submitted by 30th October 2024). The abstract should clearly highlight the significance of the topic, objectives and methodology to be adopted for the conduction of the study. It should also contain 3-5 keywords.
  • Link to submit Abstract: https://forms.gle/DUYKwCDEhk6vge1bA
  • Payment Link (Only for delegates): https://axisbpayments.razorpay.com/pl_P67l7kWXHWk4Pm/view
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