Mumbai, India, October 4, 2024
Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi, the founding President of Kosova College of Surgeons and former Minister of Health of the Republic of Kosova, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Global Digital Summit in Mumbai, India for his pioneering contributions and global impact in the creation of sustainable telemedicine programs, using the “Initiate, Build, Operate, Transfer” (IBOT) strategy of International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation, selected by the international jury, that started in Kosova with the inauguration of Kosova telemedicine program Dec 10, 2002. His work, rooted in collaboration with these local healthcare teams, has successfully empowered communities to take ownership of their healthcare systems.
On this occasion, Dr. Latifi stated, “While I am honored to receive this recognition on behalf of International Virtual -Hospital and all who has worked for the last 2024 years, the true heroes are the local doctors and nurses in Kosova, Albania, and Cabo Verde, Vietnam, and other countries who have embraced this strategy, as well as their governments who had adopted IBOT. Their commitment and resilience have set a standard that the rest of the world can learn from.”
The IBOT strategy developed by Dr. Latifi has become a model for establishing sustainable telemedicine and e-health frameworks in low-resource countries, but no only. By initiating projects that build capacity, operating them in partnership with local stakeholders, and ultimately transferring management to them, IBOT approach ensures that these systems are both effective and culturally relevant.
Furthermore, Dr. Latifi stressed that with today’s advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, there is no reason for anyone to die or suffer the consequences of a disease because expertise is just one click away. He urged that adapting to these technologies should not be a long and arduous process; instead, it should be embraced immediately. During his keynote address on the session “The Future of Surgery” that he chaired, Dr. Latifi affirmed that “while surgery and surgeons will be augmented by significant technological advances from nano-technologies to and genomics to robotically assisted precision surgery, including artificial intelligence, both will continue to remain human, and no technology can replace the critical handholding and emotional support that a surgeon provides to patients as a human being.” He added, “These technologies need to be made available to billions of people who lack even basic resources for safe surgery and anesthesia and not only to few millions who can afford them”.
His vision and dedication have led to transformative changes in healthcare accessibility, highlighting how local engagement can lead to meaningful improvements in health outcomes. The pioneering initiatives in Kosova, Albania, and Cabo Verde exemplify how empowering local healthcare providers can create impactful telemedicine solutions that resonate globally.
On this momentous occasion, the organizing committee and the international jury also highlighted the importance of grassroots efforts in shaping the future of healthcare. Dr. Latifi’s accolades serve as a testament to the collective achievements of healthcare teams worldwide, inspiring further collaboration and commitment to equitable care.
For media inquiries or further information on Dr. Latifi’s work and the IBOT strategy, please get in touch with www.iveh.org and www.koscs.org
About Dr. Latifi:
Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi is a prominent expert in telemedicine, serving as a professor of surgery and former minister of health for the Republic of Kosovo. He is recognized for his innovative strategies that foster the establishment of sustainable healthcare systems in low-resource countries. His initiatives have significantly enhanced healthcare access and quality through local partnerships and community engagement.
About the Digital Summit:
The Digital Summit is an annual conference that convenes industry leaders and healthcare professionals to discuss advancements in digital health, share insights, and foster collaborative efforts to enhance global healthcare systems.
