The International Hospital Federation (IHF) has revealed the 81 finalists for the 2025 IHF Awards, selected from over 700 entries representing healthcare institutions across 38 countries and territories. With eight categories now in place, including a newly introduced sustainability-focused award, the shortlist showcases exemplary initiatives and leadership in hospital performance, patient safety, operational excellence, environmental responsibility and more. The winners will be announced at the upcoming 48th World Hospital Congress in Geneva.
Celebrating High Standards in Hospital and Healthcare Innovation
Each of the eight award categories highlights a specific domain of hospital and healthcare excellence. The Dr Kwang Tae Kim Grand Hospital Award, regarded as the programme’s highest honour, acknowledges hospitals achieving distinction across five critical pillars: quality and safety, patient experience, cost efficiency, workforce wellbeing and equitable access. Ten hospitals, including institutions from the UAE, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Italy and South Korea, have been shortlisted for this top award.
In the area of clinical excellence and patient safety, the Dr Prathap C Reddy Excellence Award recognises projects and programmes that enhance clinical outcomes and safety standards. Initiatives include strategies focused on transforming hospital culture, redefining emergency care, integrating digital solutions and tackling health inequalities. Hospitals from countries including Taiwan, the UK, Egypt, Pakistan, Spain, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among the finalists.
Healthcare workforce wellbeing is the focus of the American Hospital Association Excellence Award, spotlighting efforts to enhance resilience, mental health and professional development. Shortlisted institutions from Australia, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the UAE and the United States are leading innovative wellbeing programmes, including digital HR tools, art therapy, onboarding enhancements and workplace empowerment strategies.
Highlighting Leadership, Efficiency and Sustainability
The Mastercard Award for Hospital Operational Excellence showcases advancements in hospital systems, patient flow and process efficiency. AI-powered discharge predictions, telehealth adoption, urgent care optimisation, pharmacy restructuring and electronic documentation improvements are among the projects recognised. Finalists span a global range, including France, Hong Kong, India, Oman, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Outstanding management and leadership achievements are honoured by the American College of Healthcare Executives Excellence Award. The finalists include hospitals and health systems from Colombia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania and the UK, with projects such as competency-based leadership frameworks, hybrid referral systems and governance initiatives aimed at amplifying staff voices and delivering strategic outcomes.
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Environmental sustainability is another key theme in 2025. The Ashikaga-Nikken Excellence Award for Low-Carbon Healthcare acknowledges healthcare institutions driving impactful environmental change. Shortlisted entries highlight smart hospital design, carbon-neutral roadmaps, energy efficiency and strategic transformations towards net-zero emissions. Institutions in Brazil, Egypt, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, the UAE, the UK and the US are recognised for their commitment to greener healthcare.
Advancing Responsibility and Sustainable Transformation
Corporate social responsibility is in the spotlight through the Seddiqi Holding Excellence Award for Social and Environmental Responsibility. Finalist organisations from Aruba, Colombia, Egypt, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania and the United States are delivering meaningful projects that address health equity, environmental protection and social wellbeing. Examples include behavioural initiatives to reduce food waste, sustainability in rural healthcare and outreach programmes for vulnerable populations.
The Geneva Sustainability Centre Excellence Award for Hospital Sustainability Acceleration is new in 2025 and recognises hospitals using the Sustainability Accelerator Tool (SAT) to drive transformative change. Finalists from Colombia, Kenya, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE demonstrate high-maturity strategies and impactful reporting. Projects include low-emission pathways, smart environmental management and innovative staff engagement to embed sustainability at the organisational level.
Each of these shortlisted projects was carefully reviewed by the IHF Awards Committee, comprising 61 healthcare leaders and executives from across the globe. Evaluation was based on originality, intended impact, scalability, scientific rigour and clarity for the Excellence Awards, while the Grand Hospital Award added dimensions of health outcomes and sustainability. The entries reflect a global commitment to reshaping healthcare amid challenges like workforce shortages, financial pressures, digital transformation and climate change.
The announcement of the 2025 IHF Awards finalists marks a significant moment in the international healthcare calendar. With participation from 38 countries and a diverse array of transformational initiatives, the Awards underscore the innovation, leadership and commitment driving excellence in hospital care worldwide. Finalists will now await the Awards Ceremony on 12 November in Geneva, where the IHF will celebrate their achievements and inspire continued global collaboration in healthcare improvement.
Source: International Hospital Federation
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