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Introduction Wikipedia page The International Hospital Federation (IHF) is successor to the International Hospital Association established in 1929 and was renamed under its new title in 1947. It is the global association of hospitals and healthcare organizations representing the decision makers leading the healthcare sector. It is a global forum and knowledge hub which offers policy guidance and facilitates the exchange of strategic information and experience in health sector management. The IHF Secretariat is located in Bernex (Canton of Geneva), Switzerland. The aim of the IHF is to improve patient safety and promote health in underserved communities by way of facilitating the exchanges of knowledge and experience in health sector management. Membership of the Federation is made up of three categories: Full Membership, representing national healthcare organizations; Associate Membership, of which there are three categories – associate, premier and supporting, made up of hospitals or groupings of healthcare institutions. Lastly, Honorary Membership awarded to persons or organizations who have distinguished themselves in service in relation to IHF mission.

Membership and communications activities act as a bridge between members in facilitating and supporting IHF goal of cross-fertilization of knowledge and experience in management and leadership of health organizations as well as offering members a voice in the international policy arena.

History, Governance and Organisation The International Hospital Federation (IHF) is the successor to the International Hospital Association, which was established in 1929 after its first International Hospital Congress in Atlantic City, USA. The Association ceased to function during the Second World War, but was revived in 1947 under its present new title – International Hospital Federation. The IHF is an independent, not for profit, non-governmental organization.

The two main decision-making bodies under the IHF constitution are the General Assembly and Governing Council.

The General Assembly is composed of members, in all categories of the Federation. However, only Full members, have voting rights at meetings. The primary responsibilities of the General Assembly involve strategic and policy governance of the Federation and election the governing Council, president and Honorary members

The Governing Council is composed of twenty-one national member representatives, including an Executive Committee, made up of a President, President-Designate, Past-President and Treasurer. It is the organ charged with the overall governing of the affairs of the IHF as designated by the General Assembly. Council members are elected for a 6-year term of office.

The Executive Committee oversees the day to day running of the operations of the IHF, and supports the CEO as directed by the Governing Council. Both governing bodies meet at least one a year The CEO, oversees and directs the activities of the Secretariat and is answerable to the Governing Council.

Frequency of meetings of the Assembly and Council is a minimum of one (1) a year in conjunction with IHF-hosted or collaborative events, and the Executive Committee at least three (3) times  per annum

Activities _ The IHF is host of the World Hospital Congress - the world’s unique forum where all major national health organizations assemble to showcase their achievements, exchange experiences, ideas and knowledge on best practices in leadership in hospital and healthcare management and delivery of services. It also hosts an exclusive Hospital and Healthcare Leadership Summit: an assembly of leaders of member organization to discuss strategies for healthcare development. IHF regularly partners with leading healthcare organizations in hosting or participating in key international meetings. Other activities include publication of the quarterly journal – World Hospitals & Health Services (1929) as well as ad hoc collaborative publications. IHF also engages in projects conducted independently or collaboratively, the focus of which serve to promote its goal of improving the health of society: Addressing key challenges of the health workforce; promoting the role and performance of hospitals in health systems; Involvement of decision makers in public health priorities

See also List of IHF Members

External Link IHF website www.ihf-fih.org