Feb 26 – Private hospitals’ activity blessed

The UEHP turned 35 and we celebrated in Rome, where some colleagues had the foresight to create the association that defends private hospitals and clinics across Europe and contributes decisively to the sustainability of health systems. AIOP did an extraordinary job of organising the event.

On 29 January, we had the pleasure of welcoming Alberta Sciachi, Erich Sieber and Paul Garassus, and we also received messages from Max Ponseillé and Teófilo Leite. We would like to thank all these former presidents for their vision and leadership for decades. We are grateful for their ability to set in motion this dynamic that unites us all. Thank you to all the national associations, thank you to all the hospitals and private clinics in Europe, thank you to all those who have served on the UEHP’s governing bodies.

The UEHP General Assembly was held on 30 January and had two very special moments: on the one hand, we approved the entry of the Lithuanian association of hospitals and private clinics as a full member and, on the other hand, we signed the Rome Declaration. In this Rome Declaration we call for greater coordination with public health systems as a way of responding to the growing demand for healthcare and the shortage of human resources affecting the health sector across Europe.

European private hospitals reaffirm the sector’s commitment to quality, innovation, and responsibility, demand fair, transparent, and realistic financing structures (that take into account rising operating costs, inflation, labour constraints and ongoing investment) and invite all partners – policymakers, other providers, professionals and patients – to work together to build a healthier, fairer, and more resilient Europe for future generations.

But this week in Rome was marked by a unique, special and symbolic moment. We had the opportunity to attend the General Audience and to meet the Pope. At the end, when offering our greeting, I said to Pope Leo XIV: “Holy Father, we are here representing Europe’s private hospitals and clinics, which serve millions of citizens every day. Allow me to ask for your blessing for our institutions and for our healthcare professionals, who care for patients with dedication, compassion, and respect for human dignity”. It will go down in UEHP history that on 28 January 2025 the Pope gave his blessing to Europe´s private hospitals and clinics.

For 35 years, UEHP has been more than a union of hospitals; it has been a community bound by trust, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to care. Across borders, languages, and health systems, we have chosen collaboration over isolation. Today, we face complex and growing challenges — from workforce pressures to innovation, sustainability, and resilience — challenges that no hospital and no country can meet alone. Our strength lies in standing side by side, learning from one another, and supporting each other through uncertainty. United by our values and our responsibility to patients, we are — and will remain — stronger together.