I arrived in London with the dream of making the world a better place for women and children without access to quality healthcare. However, through the Health Policy, Planning, and Financing (HPPF) programme, I have realised that dreams, while inspiring, are not enough. Creating meaningful change demands strategic plans rooted in critical thinking, long term planning, and targeted research. Changing the world is not only challenging, but also requires confronting systems and structures that often resist change.
Coming from a clinical background, I was well-acquainted with the delivery of healthcare services. This programme, however, has unveiled the intricate processes that occur behind the scenes. I have learned that advocacy for universal healthcare is only part of the solution. Understanding the delicate balance between efficiency and equity, navigating resource allocation, and addressing how health competes with other priorities in the policy agenda have been invaluable lessons.
In addition to the coursework and seminars that provide the essential knowledge and skills to navigate this field, LSE Health hosts a range of events featuring prominent experts who bring real-world insights to complement the theoretical concepts we learn. As a student in the Health Policy, Planning and Financing programme, I am spoiled for choice with access to the Global Health Lecture Series. My favourite sessions are those focused on health financing, as my home country is working towards implementing a more effective system. One standout was Robert Yates’ lecture on Universal Health Coverage, which addressed health financing challenges in low and middle-income countries. Equally compelling was Elias Mossialos’ lecture, which used a high-income country example to illustrate health insurance reform, highlighting the political and technical dimensions of such changes.
The Health Policy department also supports career growth by organising health policy-specific career events through LSE Careers, as well as offering a mentorship scheme that connects alumni with current students who share similar interests. This has provided invaluable guidance and networking opportunities, enhancing both personal and professional development.
The department has also been great at bringing us together through events like the Christmas party at Sama Bankside, where we enjoyed delicious jerk chicken and pizzas. It’s one spot I highly recommend to anyone in London, the food is amazing, and we’re already planning a return visit!
The department at LSE is friendly, approachable, and always willing to answer questions, which is essential during your journey at LSE. Asking for help and sharing your experiences can open doors to support you didn’t even know was available. They also have the best recommendations for restaurants and places to visit around London.
Beyond department organised events, my classmates and I have created our own traditions, including international potlucks, having lunch together during breaks and group theatre outings. This Christmas, we visited Winter Wonderland and explored the Christmas markets together, we had so much fun enjoying the festive atmosphere and everything London has to offer.
The most rewarding part of studying HPPF is the people. Meeting people from various backgrounds has taught me the value of collaboration and how diverse perspectives can unlock creative solutions to complex problems. Working together in seminars and group projects has helped me communicate better with those from cultures different to mine.
My friends and I have built a community that has been a source of support through the programme’s intensity. We have bonded over shared experiences, embraced our differences, and explored London together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. These lifelong friendships forged over a short intense period are my biggest gifts from LSE.
