The 49th IHF World Hospital Congress 2026 has concluded in Seoul, South Korea, with hospital leaders calling for stronger international cooperation, responsible innovation and more resilient healthcare systems to improve patient care.
Organised by the International Hospital Federation (IHF), the congress brought together healthcare leaders to discuss how hospitals can adapt to technological advances, financial pressures and changing patient needs while maintaining safe, quality services.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, IHF president Dr Henry Gallardo said the future of healthcare depended on hospitals’ ability to adapt, collaborate and embrace innovation to improve outcomes for patients.
The congress identified five priority areas for hospital management: the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), environmental sustainability, patient and healthcare worker safety, investment in the development and well-being of health professionals, and hospitals’ financial sustainability.
Participants emphasised that hospitals must adopt emerging technologies responsibly while managing resources efficiently and strengthening their capacity to withstand emergencies and future healthcare challenges.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of investing in health workers, whose skills and well-being are essential to maintaining quality services and improving patient safety.
Tanzania was represented by leaders from Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH).
MNH, under the leadership of executive director Dr Delilah Kimambo, is expected to continue strengthening its focus on artificial intelligence, patient safety, sustainable healthcare delivery and improved operational systems.
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The hospital also plans to advance innovation, improve working environments and invest in infrastructure designed to meet patients’ needs.
For Tanzania’s referral hospitals, the priorities discussed at the congress provide a framework for balancing technological advancement with patient safety, workforce development and the financial resources needed to sustain quality healthcare.
The meeting also offered an opportunity for hospital leaders to exchange experiences and explore approaches to improving efficiency, strengthening institutional resilience and responding to emerging demands in the health sector.