The World Hospital Congress of the International Hospital Federation (IHF) dates back to 1929, when it was first held in Atlantic City, USA as a biennial event. It is the unique global forum where multidisciplinary exchange of knowledge, expertise and experiences in health sector management and service delivery is facilitated. Leaders of key national and international hospital and healthcare organisations, drivers of healthcare policy, management, financial trends and solutions are gathered in this forum to engage in constructive dialogue on best practices in leadership in hospital and healthcare management and delivery of services. Even more importantly, IHF members have un-paralleled opportunities to showcase their accomplishments to peers and the rest of the global healthcare community. The event contributes to the enhancement and enrichment of knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals. The delegate make-up reflects the IHF membership which spans some 40 countries.
The 40th IHF World Hospital Congress, to be held in Durban, South Africa, has key unique features, the first being that it will be the first to be hosted on the continent of Africa. Secondly, the 2016 event will be the first edition to be hosted as an annual event. The event, to be held 30 October – 3 November 2016 in Durban South Africa, will have Addressing the Challenge of Patient-centered Care and Safety as theme.