United Arab Emirates, Dubai, November 9, 2022: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, the International Hospital Federation’s 45th World Hospital Congress officially opened today under the theme “Global Learnings, Local Actions: Sustainable Healthcare.”

Dubai is hosting the prestigious World Hospital Congress for the second time.

His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said during his opening speech that organizing and hosting such a conference reflects the capabilities of the UAE and Dubai, as an international hub for healthcare services.

He said that it also highlights Dubai’s excellence in the sector and is in accordance with the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.”

H.E. Al Ketbi thanked H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council for his support and highlighted that HH’s patronage provides a further impetus to this conference.

The conference opening ceremony took place at Dubai World Trade Centre in presence of high-level health officials including H.E. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates and Dr Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation.

H.E. Al Ketbi, added: "The conference presents an important opportunity for participants and decision-makers to discuss potential solutions to overcome global health challenges and in particular to discuss sustainability in healthcare. It also poses an important opportunity to share experiences and expertise, strengthen relationships, and discuss new prospects for cooperation among all participants.

Al Ketbi added: “Sustainable healthcare will positively impact the quality of life of the communities we serve.  At the same time, it will help the global healthcare sector become environmentally responsible. In many ways, it can also help reduce costs and drive efficiency.”

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 frontline 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.”

Deborah J. Bowen, President of IHF; President and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives stated: “We are excited to bring the World Hospital Congress to the United Arab Emirates again and look forward to hearing about the efforts of our partners, the Dubai Health Authority, in fostering innovative and integrated care models and enhancing community engagement. When we come together in Dubai, our conversation will focus on driving solutions and extending the reach and impact of our work into the future.

Dr Ramadan Al Blooshi, chairman of the organizing committee of the conference, said the global meet will also discuss the challenges and solutions of the healthcare workforce, ways and processes to ensure the wellbeing of healthcare providers, and the role of leadership in building and shaping successful health institutions.

Dr.Farida Al Khaja, Head of the Scientific Committee of the Conference said that over three days, leaders and decision-makers in the healthcare community will share knowledge and good practices, exchange new ideas and innovations, and network with other senior executives.

The 45th World Hospital Congress features over 30 plenary and parallel sessions; more than 150 renowned speakers; 150 poster presentations; 13+ industry exhibitors.

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, said: “UAE’s wise leadership has long recognized the pivotal role of innovation across the healthcare sector and more importantly in hospitals which drives better outcomes and improves the efficiency of the healthcare system. By organizing the 45th World Hospital Congress, we are committed to providing the right environment for individuals and companies to thrive and connect while fostering long-term relationships among participants.”

The first day highlighted many important topics that discuss the latest global developments related to healthcare challenges faced by hospitals around the world, better application practices, innovations, smart solutions, and digital technology in the health sector, in addition to methods in providing sustainable health services to members of society and ensuring the service continuity during and after a crisis.

The conference program started with: “Precision Medicine – the impact for hospitals and health delivery session alongside multiple panel discussions and presentations that discussed world-class healthcare, nursing staff, sustainability, paediatric care, maintaining wellness in times of epic change, and bridging boundaries through technology and collaboration.

About the Dubai Health Authority (DHA):

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the heath policymaker and regulator in Dubai, its mandate focuses on governance and oversight of Dubai’s health sector.

This includes regulating Health Providers, Professionals, Health Insurance, Public Health Protection Practices, Medical Education & Training in addition to managing Government Insurance Programs. DHA’s mandate extends to cover, Healthcare Planning, Digital Health, and Medical Tourism.        

DHA’s aim through these functions is to ensure provision of the highest quality of healthcare, enhance public health and wellbeing, safeguard patient safety through regulatory governance and oversight, ensure accessible care and develop a dynamic health sector through health funding, and promote PPP’s and investment in the health sector in Dubai.

About the International Hospital Federation (IHF):

Established in 1929, the IHF is a global not-for-profit, non-governmental membership organization. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the IHF is the global voice of hospitals and health systems. The IHF provides its members with a platform for knowledge exchange and networking with different actors in the health sector, to improve the standard, quality, and level of service delivery.

https://www.ihf-fih.org/

About the IHF World Hospital Congress:

The World Hospital Congress is a unique global forum connecting leaders and decision-makers of hospitals, health services and healthcare organizations to share knowledge and good practices, exchange new ideas and innovations, and network with other senior executives from across the international healthcare community. The 46th World Hospital Congress will take place in Lisbon (Portugal) from 25 to 27 October 2023.

https://worldhospitalcongress.org/