Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the International Hospital Federation’s 45th World Hospital Congress officially opened today in Dubai, under the theme “Global Learnings, Local Actions: Sustainable Healthcare.”
Dubai is hosting the prestigious World Hospital Congress for the second time.
Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said during his opening speech that organising 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 under the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Al Ketbi thanked Sheikh Hamdan for his support and highlighted that his patronage provided a further impetus to this conference.
The conference opening ceremony took place at Dubai World Trade Centre in the presence of high-level health officials including Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation.
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.”
Ronald Lavater, CEO of the IHF, underlined the critical need for sustainable healthcare.
“Climate change is already impacting human health and is increasingly recognised 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.
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 UAE 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 organising committee of the conference, said the global meeting would also discuss the challenges and solutions of the healthcare workforce, ways and processes to ensure the well-being 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 would share knowledge and good practices, exchange new ideas and innovations, and network with other senior executives.
The congress features over 30 plenary and parallel sessions, more than 150 renowned speakers, 150 poster presentations and 13+ industry exhibitors.
Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Chairman of INDEX Holding and IHF Special Adviser to the Middle East Region, said,
“UAE’s wise leadership has long recognised 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.”
The first day highlighted many important topics that discuss the latest global developments related to healthcare challenges faced by hospitals worldwide, better application practices, innovations, smart solutions, and digital technology in the health sector, in addition to methods in providing sustainable health services to society and ensuring service continuity during and after a crisis.
The conference programme began with a session on “Precision Medicine and the impact on hospitals and health delivery” alongside multiple panel discussions and presentations that discussed world-class healthcare, nursing staff, sustainability, paediatric care, and maintaining wellness.
News Source: Emirates News Agency