On behalf of the International Federation of Hospital Engineering (IFHE) and the organizers — the South African Federation of Hospital Engineering (SAFHE) — I take pleasure in inviting you to attend the 19th Congress in Cape Town, South Africa.
The theme of the congress Healthcare Engineering in Developing Countries is highly appropriate in view of the numerous challenges facing the provision of adequate healthcare in Africa and other countries. Since 1994, when SAFHE was privileged to host the IFHE 13th congress themed Hospital Engineering and design in a First and Third World Context, significant transformation and restructuring of healthcare systems in South Africa has taken place.
IFHE was established in 1970, on the occasion of the 1st Biennial International Congress of Hospital Engineering in Rome, prompted by;
- The desire of several national engineering professional organizations and individuals to join in a world–wide federation.
- To encourage and facilitate the exchange of information and experience of hospital and healthcare facilities relative to: planning • design • engineering • procurement • construction • technology • commissioning • maintenance • estate management and administration.
Membership of IFHE in over thirty countries embraces some ten thousand persons engaged in the wide range of activities involved in the operation and safety of healthcare facilities.
IFHE 2006 will be of interest to all persons involved in healthcare engineering with a conference programme covering a wide range of subjects including workshops under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO) and an exhibition of products and services relative to the healthcare industry.
It is hoped that many newcomers — as well as delegates to previous IFHE Congresses and national healthcare engineering conferences — will take this unique opportunity to participate in this 19th Congress which promises to be an innovative, interesting, and exciting event.
We hope that you will also extend your stay in Cape Town and enjoy a city which ranks as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
I welcome you to the fairest Cape of them all.
Steve Drinkrow,
President-Elect 2006 — 2008
IFHE 19th Congress 2006
Organizing Committee Chairman
