“Racism has no place in any part of our society, including in our digital health systems,” stated Diane Abbott, Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, at the Equity Charter Summit held at the King’s Fund in London on July 23, 2024.
The purpose of the summit was to address the issue of discrimination in the digital health sector and create a charter to condemn such behavior. Ayesha Rahim, a ‘portfolio psychiatrist’ in the NHS, read a statement from Abbott urging attendees to take action for equitable healthcare access.
Incidents of racism and misogyny directed towards Abbott, such as those by Frank Hestor, chief executive of health software firm TPP in March 2024, prompted the need for the Equity Charter. Abbott’s statement highlighted the importance of combating discrimination within health platforms and organizations to ensure fair and just care for all individuals.
Healthcare leaders and stakeholders discussed strategies for a more inclusive digital health sector and outlined the content that should be included in the Equity Charter at the summit. Moving forward, the organizers plan to form an advisory group to draft the charter based on the summit’s outcomes.
Over 1,000 individuals have already pledged their commitment to the Equity Charter through an open letter. To read the full letter and join as a signatory, click here.
