The International Hospital Federation (IHF) is an independent, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization based in Bernex (Canton of Geneva), Switzerland.
The IHF provides a platform for the global healthcare community to share knowledge, ideas, and experiences, as well as identify international partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
Furthermore, the IHF established the Geneva Sustainability Centre in 2022 in response to the need for hospitals and healthcare services to address climate change.
The first President of the IHF from 1947 onwards was Dr René Sand from Belgium,[4] a pioneer in the field of social medicine and with much experience in international relations.
Around this period, a strong relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO) was cultivated and the Federation's development policy continued to expand.
The IHF Secretariat is thus based where those who address today's most pressing challenges amongst IOs, NGOs, permanent missions, and others are located.
[8] Under the umbrella of the IHF, these members come together to encourage the development of responsible healthcare practices and to strengthen the spirit of cooperation among global health actors.
[9] The annual World Hospital Congress is organized by the IHF to promote global learning that leads to local action, proving an opportunity for knowledge exchange and networking that can transform healthcare delivery worldwide.
[10] At the Congress, the IHF Awards ceremony is held, celebrating excellent projects, programmes, and initiatives in hospitals and health service providers across the globe.