The IHF has three categories of membership: Full Membership is open to any association or organizational body deemed representative of the healthcare organizations, in particular but not exclusively hospitals, in a country, a polity or a circumscribed region of the world. Associate Membership is open to healthcare organizations, in particular but not exclusively hospitals, and other institutions having a distinct relationship with the provision of healthcare, who are not eligible for Full Membership. Associate Membership is also open to associations or bodies deemed representative of healthcare organizations that are not eligible or otherwise unable to become Full Members. Honorary Membership for life is awarded to persons or organizations who have rendered exceptional services to the IHF or distinguished themselves in the fields relating to the mission of the IHF.
The combined membership forms the General Assembly of the Federation, which normally meets every second year during the IHF congress. While every member has the right to speak at meetings of the General Assembly, only the full members can vote and it is they who elect the IHF Governing Council. The Council in turn elects from within its ranks an Executive Committee of four who are responsible for conducting the affairs of the IHF between the Council's meetings. |
