Unlocking the value of healthcare innovation

This exhibit brings together a government-issued spirit licence from 1996 and an advocacy badge representing the experience of living with type 1 diabetes in India. The licence reflects the complex processes families once had to navigate to access basic medical supplies for diabetes care. Together, these objects symbolise the invisible labour of caregiving, the fragility of access to healthcare, and the resilience built through living with a lifelong condition. They highlight how people-centred care can provide not only healthcare, but also dignity, participation and the opportunity for fuller lives.

Value to society
Every $1 invested in essential non-communicable disease care, including diabetes, could deliver up to $7 in returns
WHO

These photos capture the lived experiences of 12 individuals - people living with cancer, family members, and caregivers. They represent the dignity gained through flexible, people-centred care and the value of actions - big and small - that ensure all people are seen as human, not just patients.

Value to society
Treating early-stage cancers costs 2-4 times less than treating them at a later stage.
WHO

This hospital identification band, worn by the contributor’s son, James when he was born in 2007, represents the reassurance and coordination of care their family received from the very beginning. Following the diagnosis of his port-wine stain birthmark, specialists quickly coordinated referrals and support, helping them navigate his care with clarity and confidence. The experience showed her the importance of holistic, well-communicated healthcare, as well as the vital role patient organisations play in providing emotional and peer support to families at the earliest stages of their journey.

Value to society
Integrated care pathways have demonstrated a 12-22% reduction in hospital spending per patient.
Alhawsah et al., 2024

This artwork represents PATH’s work advancing self-care and people-centred healthcare through self-injectable contraception across Africa and Asia. The watch and boardgame symbolise the time women gain by accessing flexible family planning options closer to home, reducing long journeys and clinic waiting times. By enabling women to choose when, where and from whom they receive care, self-care tools support greater autonomy, convenience and wellbeing for women and their families.

Value to society
Improving women's health could add $1 trillion to the global economy each year by 2040.
WEF, McKinsey

This object represents the Titaguas Basic Health Zone in rural Valencia, where small wooden chairs surround a map of five municipalities to symbolise the local Health Council. The chairs reflect a collaborative model of care, bringing together healthcare professionals, local authorities, associations and residents to shape community health together. By identifying local needs collectively, the Council supports prevention, wellbeing and stronger patient-physician relationships rooted in trust and shared responsibility.

Value to society
20% of health spending has little or no impact on health outcomes

• highlighting the need to redirect resources towards more efficient models, such as people-centred care.

OECD