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European Union of Private Hospitals

The 45th World Hospital Congress in Dubai

The 45th IHF World Hospital Congress took place in Dubai, from 9 to 11 November 2022. This year’s central theme was ‘Global Learnings, Local Actions: Sustainable Healthcare’,

Green hospitals and, more specifically, the crucial role of hospitals in combatting climate change was the main topic of this renowned event but other key issues were also discussed such as healthcare workforce challenges and digital health to improve delivery of care.

The Awards presented at the Gala Ceremony highlighted innovation in hospitals around the world and provided examples of good practices that improve the quality and sustainability of healthcare services.

During the Congress, the Portuguese consortium who includes the Portuguese Association of Private Hospitals (APHP), the Portuguese Association of Hospital Managers (APAH) and the Portuguese Association for Hospital Development (APDH), also organized a session on models of care in Portuguese speaking countries. This one-hour panel discussion in Portuguese was an opportunity to discuss among leaders representing IHF Members in Portuguese speaking countries challenges and opportunities around models of care.

Oscar Gaspar, president of APHP, stressed that a hospital cannot only be seen as a place where care is provided, but above all as an organisation that provides adequate care. Hospitals today have functions that range from prevention and primary care to telemedicine, including long-term care. For new needs and new realities, it is up to hospitals to have innovative and inclusive services.

More than 600 participants from 60 countries attended the congress and among them, the Portuguese Association of Private Hospitals (APHP), as part of the Portuguese Consortium who will be hosting the next World Hospital Congress, in Lisbon, from 25 to 27 October 2023.

The official handover took place during the closing ceremony who was attended by Deborah J. Bowen and Ronald Lavater, respectively President and CEO of the International Hospital Federation (IHF), and representing the Portuguese State was the Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Fernando Figueirinhas.

It is a great honour for Portugal to host the next World Hospital Congress and to be able to

showcase the value of hospital organisations and their critical contribution to health.

See you all in Lisbon next year!