45th World Hospital Congress puts focus on sustainability
The 45th World Hospital Congress was held from 9-11 November in Dubai, UAE, and co-hosted by the IHF and Dubai Health Authority with the theme “Global Learnings, Local Actions: Sustainable Healthcare”.
Over the three days, more than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries and territories gathered for plenary and thematic sessions, net-working, workshops, poster presentations and industry exhibitions.
The event opened with a statement from the International Hospital Federation (IHF) about its commitment to raising awareness and supporting hospital managers to act to deliver sustainable healthcare.
Members of the global community of hospital and healthcare service providers at the IHF’s General Assembly voted to approve the statement “Addressing climate change as an integral part of healthcare delivery” < https://www.ihf-fih.org/about/statement-on-sustainability/ >.
Ronald Lavater, CEO of the IHF, underlined the critical need for sustainable healthcare: “Climate change is already impacting human health and is increasingly recognized as the greatest threat to our future health. Hospitals and health systems are on the front line when it comes to responding to its consequences. We understand the impact. But we are only beginning to address the sector’s contribution to the problem. At the IHF, our members agree that we need to raise awareness, and act now, to manage our health systems in more sustainable ways.
“Sustainable healthcare will reduce the burden on hospitals and health systems, and positively impact the quality of life, resilience, and wellbeing of the communities they serve. And that is why the IHF’s statement is a call to action to address climate change as an integral part of healthcare delivery.”
This statement has received endorsement from several international organizations in the healthcare sector, including ISQua, International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations, International Network of Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services, World Patients Alliance, and World Federation of Public Health Associations. Further endorsements are expected from organizations worldwide. The IHF’s Geneva Sustainability Centre was established earlier this year to support healthcare leaders in their journey towards sustainability. The IHF and Geneva Sustainability Centre will continue to seek endorsements and to increase the take-up of this statement.
H.E. Amb. Dr Abdul Salam Al Madani, Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC, Chairman of INDEX Holding and IHF Special Adviser to the Middle East Region stated: “This year’s edition is a testament of our keenness to provide a valuable opportunity to share experiences and knowledge among those interested in the sector. During the course of three days, the conference provided participants and attendees from all over the world a chance to connect and build bridges of cooperation in addition to exchanging information
and experiences, as we all share one goal in the end, which is to provide high-quality healthcare to patients and create a safe environment for the establishment of medical care services.”
IHF Awards
At the event the winners in each of seven prestigious categories of the IHF Awards 2022 were announced.
One of the major awards was the Dr Kwang Tae Kim Grand Hospital Award, which recognized hospitals that excelled in the five dimensions of healthcare delivery.
• Gold winners: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (UAE), and Severance Hospital (Republic of Korea)
• Silver winner: Tan Tock Seng Hospital (Singapore)
• Bronze winners: Al Qassimi Hospital (UAE), and King Faisal Medical Complex, Taif (KSA).
Another highlight was the Ashikaga-Nikken Excellence Award for Green Hospitals which honoured hospitals and healthcare organizations that promote sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives.
• Gold winners: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (UAE), and Japanese Red Cross Matsuyama Hospital (Japan)
• Silver winner: Aga Khan Health Service (Pakistan)
• Bronze winner: Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital (Taiwan)
Innovation builds resilience
As the 45th World Hospital Congress concluded, Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, Regional Director of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, gave a video address.
“Adversity begets innovation and innovation builds resilience… Resilient hospitals maintain their functions amid crisis while leaving no one behind. As a result, they improve access and coverage, reduce vulnerabilities and address inequalities,” he said.
With motivating words to close the ceremony, IHF President Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, summarized the importance of the annual gathering: “It has been my pleasure to be with you at this 45th World Hospital Congress here in Dubai. The incredible line-up of learning we’ve enjoyed has given us new perspectives we can carry with us into our everyday work. The depth of collective expertise on display at this forum has been truly remarkable. Not only can that expertise guide us as we work to address the challenges we face today, it can help us do so tomorrow as well.
“We arrived here as individuals, but we leave here with the expertise of a community to help us attain our shared goal …to provide safe and equitable care to all.”
—> The 46th World Hospital Congress will take place in Lisbon from 25 to 27 October 2023.
