Healthcare is rated as one of top issues that leaders around the globe will need to address as the effect of the global financial crisis slowly unfolds. The issue of cost and affordability, accessibility, equity and quality continue to hound the industry. Rationalizing these concerns and taking concrete steps towards righting the health system is the imperative of the times.

Hospitals as the biggest segment of providers will likely come to closer and stricter scrutiny as demand for more transparency, lower cost, better quality and higher accountability for perfor-mance continue to exert pressure for radical changes.

In the 2008 Convention, raging issues were tackled by guests from different sectors to infuse the hospital industry with fresh perspective - the global transitions as they affect health care.

Springboard for the 2009 Regional Conferences

To kick off the activities for 2009 as the PHA celebrates its DIAMOND year, the Regional Conferences is envisioned to be the vehicle with which the organization will assist members in strengthening their day-to-day operation through capacity and capability-building.

Twin Program

Each Regional Conference will offer twin program - two learning opportunities for members. The morning session will feature capacity and capability-building topics as part of continuing professional development while the afternoon session will tackle industry updates and interfaces. The general program outline will be as follows:

Morning
* Tracking the Progress of the Millenium Development Goals and the Enabling Role of the Private Sector
* Opportunities of Hospitals in the Emerging Global Healthcare Market Through Medical Tourism* - jointly with partner Phil. Association of Health Organizations in Medical Tourism (PhilAsHOME)
* Quality Improvement as Way of Ensuring Patient Safety

Afternoon
* Updates on PHIC, Licensing and Various Administrative Orders
* Open Forum

Riding the DIAMOND wave

We enjoin all hospital members to unite in celebration of PHA's 60th year. Let's celebrate the event through year-long activities, kick-off regional conferences with motorcades and medical missions etc. Participate and

TAKE THAT BIG LEAP!