Nice-Premiere met with Gérard Vincent during the congress of the FIH (International Federation of Hospitals). He is the new president of the FIH. He is also the General Delegate of the French Hospital Federation. He discusses his election and the priorities of the FIH.
Vincent Trinquat: Can you explain to us exactly what the FIH is and define its role?
Gérard Vincent: The FIH is an independent international association, composed of members from 100 countries. This federation could be likened to a club of hospital managers who continuously exchange ideas with the aim of improving access to health care on all continents. We hope to make it understood that from a well-structured hospital in a developing country, we can branch out numerous medical and health aids. Significant work is carried out to train doctors in developing countries, but it is also necessary to train the people who manage the hospitals. The FIH does not represent doctors but hospital structures. Efficient management means an efficient health system.
VT: What are the priorities of the new President of the FIH?
GV: To develop exchanges with developing countries. My predecessors set up a precise strategy. I want to implement this plan, to train people to manage hospital structures. The long-term goals of everyone have always been access to care for every inhabitant of the planet and the fight against AIDS. For this, we collaborate with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and the WHO (World Health Organization). This congress contributes to these objectives to exchange with as many countries as possible. Here in Nice, members from 75 countries are present, which is very good. And now, even George W Bush seems to be concerned about health in developing countries.
VT: Having a French person at the head of an International Federation is rare enough to be noted and appreciated. What is your view on this?
GV: A satisfaction. You know, in France we tend to be pessimistic and often complain but on a global level, France has a great aura, especially in the medical field. France is an example for many countries. A Frenchman at the head of the FIH actually recognizes that France is at the forefront in the field of health.
An anecdote that confirms this: We had to designate the city that will organize the next FIH congress. There was a real battle. Governments got involved for the candidacies. Finally, Seoul emerged as the winner. For this congress in Nice, to define the organizing city, it was very simple. I just had to raise my hand. The other candidates withdrew. France is an example and the choice to organize the congress in our country was obvious.
VT: Precisely, why is this congress taking place in Nice?
GV: We wanted to indicate that France is not only about Paris. We were looking for an attractive city with an international airport. Nice also has a high-quality university hospital, very active despite competition from the private sector. The management team is dynamic and takes its responsibilities seriously. We were right to choose Nice. We were very well received. We could just have hoped for a bit better weather.
VT: As the General Delegate of the French Hospital Federation, what is your view on French hospitals? What could be improved? What do you demand from the government?
GV: In France, we are privileged. Everyone has access to health care. With Germany, we are the only country to not have a waiting list. As I said, France is often cited as an example. However, there is a financial problem to continue progressing. There is an insufficiency in terms of credits. We are requesting a health budget increase of 4.32% for 2006. The government finds this figure too high. We are currently in full debate with them.
VT: Hospital-acquired infections in hospitals damage the image of structures that are still the most efficient in the world. What is your position on this problem?
GV: We mainly talk about it since we communicate the figures. But since we have been communicating them, this figure has been decreasing. We are making progress and, like in many other areas, France is at the forefront in the fight against nosocomial infections. Hospitals are high-risk areas since that’s where you find the most microbes. Zero risk will not exist. Communicating these figures is part of a significant effort in transparency on the part of the hospitals.
Additional link: https://www.fih2005.com
