The inaugural World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), due to be held in Doha, Qatar on 10-11 December 2013, will bring together heads of state, ministers, senior government officials, academics and thinkers, as well as the most influential business leaders, to stimulate implementation of practical, sustainable and innovative solutions to tackle global health challenges
The purpose of WISH is to encourage collaboration and innovation in health policy, health systems and health care delivery, in order to close the gap between what we know and what we do in the fields of healthcare and medicine
The purpose of WISH is to encourage collaboration and innovation in health policy, health systems and health care delivery, in order to close the gap between what we know and what we do in the fields of healthcare and medicine
As the nation stands at the forefront of healthcare reform, Qatar Foundation has embarked upon several promising research-health initiatives, including partnerships with Weill-Cornell Medical College, Biobank Qatar, Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre Qatar Cardiovascular Research Centre, Virgin Health Bank, and Sidra Medical and Research Center.
Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, WISH brought together close to 1000 global health innovators and policy makers including heads of state, ministers, senior government officials, academics and influential business leaders from 67 countries
Delegates at the Summit will hear from distinguished keynote speakers including Simon Stevens, President of Global Health Division, United Health Group; Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson of Myanmar's National League for Democracy; Boris Johnson, Mayor of London; and John Dineen, President and CEO of GE Healthcare
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "There are many health issues that are of global significance, but every country around the world also faces its own set of challenges. Bringing together key international leaders is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from excellent and innovative work elsewhere."
The second day of the Summit will include the launch of the Global Innovation Diffusion report, a ground-breaking initiative that investigates and compares how eight countries' healthcare systems foster, implement and share medical innovation. The innovative research looks at how Qatar, India, Brazil, the UK, US, Australia, Spain and South Africa diffuse the best new ideas to improve healthcare for their populations.
WISH supports the aims and ambitions of Qatar Foundation and reinforces Qatar's role as an emerging center for medical innovation. Qatar has been at the forefront of healthcare reform in the region with its introduction of a visionary national health strategy. As part of its mission, Qatar Foundation has launched a number of initiatives in healthcare - from scientific research in medicine to maternal health and clinical care.
Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, President of Qatar Foundation said: "Qatar Foundation embodies Qatar's National Vision 2030 and supports initiatives that create a healthy and strong society. Fostering healthcare innovation in Qatar and abroad is an integral part of our drive at Qatar Foundation and it gives me great pleasure to welcome our distinguished guests from diverse corners to WISH and Qatar."