Prof. Sandra C. Buttigieg, Head of Department of Health Systems Management and Leadership, Faculty of Health Sciences and Immediate Past President of the European Health Management Association (EHMA) presided over the 29th edition of EHMA Annual Conference on 5-7 June 2024 in Bucharest, Romania. The Conference was co-hosted by the Ministry of Health of Romania and the National Institute of Health Service Management, Romania with the support of WHO Europe and the WHO Country Office of Romania as the organisers of this conference.
EHMA brings together a wide spectrum of healthcare stakeholders, including managers, leaders, researchers, academics, policymakers, and industry representatives.
Professor Buttigieg chaired the Annual General Meeting of EHMA in Bucharest at the end of her two-year mandate as President. She served in total six years on EHMA Board - which is the maximum period allowed by EHMA's Statute. Indeed, this AGM elected a new President and Board.
The theme of the conference was ‘Shaping and managing innovative health ecosystems' that encompasses the entire spectrum of health megatrends. From the digital transformation to the growing importance of sustainability, and the skill needs of the healthcare workforce, the conference explored the extent to which the health sector is adapting to these changes. In the true spirit of EHMA, an ecosystem approach was emphasised throughout the plenary sessions, 50 oral and poster sessions, panel discussions, and workshops.
The conference also provided several opportunities for networking from around Europe and beyond, as well as encouraged dialogue on how different health care actors can work together and leverage each other’s strengths to drive innovation and address pressing challenges. Since its inception, the European Health Management Conference has served as a forum for promoting discussions and sharing innovative solutions.
