Health is a prerequisite for human development.
Globalisation has intensified cross border economic, political and cultural flows, leading to greater interdependence among economies with regard to economic activities, health, environment, society, culture, knowledge and technology. We need to get ready to respond to global threats and opportunities. And the mission of the International Hospital Federation is to facilitate the cross-fertilisation of ideas in health care policy as well as hospital and health services management, and improve the health status of people worldwide. Economies worldwide are facing mounting pressure to reform their health care system. Into the new millennium, health care leaders and providers face many new challenges.