Kosovo for the First Time at the World Hospital Congress in Switzerland
On 10 – 13 November 2025, a delegation of Kosovo’s health sector institutions participated in the 48th World Hospital Congress, in Geneva, Switzerland. A global gathering of hospital and health system leaders, the Congress this year was held under the theme “Global learning, local action for every patient”. It brought together more than 1,500 participants from over 80 countries, including senior policymakers, hospital directors, clinicians, and innovators shaping the future of healthcare.
Kosovo’s delegation was led by Mr. Jahe Gecaj, Acting General Secretary of the Ministry of Health, who described the country’s debut at the Congress as a milestone in strengthening Kosovo’s international health cooperation and progress efforts.
“Our participation in this international forum indicates the dedication of the Ministry of Health to network with other countries, learning from best experiences and global trends for a better healthcare,” said Mr. Gecaj. “The experiences we have gained shall serve us well to integrate in our health reforms those aspects that enable quality and safe care for our patients.”
This marks the first time Kosovo health authorities are represented at a global forum that convenes health sector and hospital leaders from across the world. The Congress featured future-facing discussions on hospital leadership, digital transformation, sustainability in healthcare, patient-centred care, and models that improve safety and quality.
The delegation also took part in a study visit to the Lausanne Children’s Hospital, a leading Swiss institution known for its advanced pediatric care, which provided an opportunity to observe integrated care models and practices that are among the most advanced in Europe.
The Kosovo delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Health, the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, and the General Hospital of Peja and Children’s Hospital in Prishtina.
The vist was organized through the Integrated Health Services (IHS) project, which failictated earlier this year Kosovo’s membership to the International Hospital Federation. This highlights the country’s commitment to learn globally, to collaborate confidently, and to bring home new ideas for better healthcare.