Dear colleagues,

It gives us immense pleasure in inviting you to the first National Conference on Family Medicine and Primary Care (FMPC 2013) on 20th and 21st of April 2013 at India International Center, New Delhi, India.

India is moving towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and National Health Mission (NHM). Multi-skilled and competent primary care providers and their knowledge figure prominently in the evolving schemes, themes, and initiatives of our healthcare systems. Family Medicine has received attention in several policy documents of the Government of India including the National Health Policy 2002. The concept of family medicine has also been supported by Mehta Committee Report, Prime Minister’s National Knowledge Commission, NRHM task force on human resource development, MCI Vision 2015 and Planning Commission’s Steering Committee on Health in 12th National Plan (2012-17).

The conference will bring Indian and international experts in family medicine and primary care with a common objective to define family medicine in India - the academic discipline and specialty of primary care physicians. It will be also an endeavour to encourage the younger generation of medical doctors to opt for a career in community based health care delivery system.

The conference will also host a National Consultation convened by NRHM on development of Family Medicine Program by exploring the list of competencies required by a Family Medicine doctor and Nurse at Community Health Center level. The objective of this consultation is to ensure availability of multi skilled and competent medical doctors capable of providing comprehensive package of services at sub-district/block level. Experts will also be looking into developing the discipline of Family Medicine in Nursing.

We are expecting a large number of participants not only from India but also from neighboring countries to attend this conference. On behalf of FMPC 2013 organizing committee, we extend a warm invitation to you for participation in the conference.