ITAPA Health & Care: Shaping the Future of Healthcare and Long-Term Care
The upcoming ITAPA Health & Care conference is scheduled to take place on March 18–19, 2026, at the Hotel Družba in Jasná.
This two-day event serves as a critical platform for experts, policymakers, and healthcare providers to discuss the digital transformation, sustainability, and quality of health and social services in Slovakia and the broader European context.
Day 1: AI Innovation and the European Care Framework
The first day of the conference focuses heavily on the integration of technology into clinical and social practice. A central theme is Artificial Intelligence (AI), with sessions covering everything from the first AI-assisted brain surgery in Central Europe to the practical AI Action Plan for Healthcare. This plan outlines the necessary steps for hospitals and the Ministry of Health to deploy AI safely and meaningfully by 2026. Participants can also attend a "Demo AI Fitko," which showcases concrete AI tools designed to reduce administrative burdens for clinicians.
Another major highlight is the Founding Forum of the European Care Framework. This independent expert initiative aims to establish a technology-enabled framework for quality and sustainability in long-term care. High-level discussions will feature the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, alongside representatives from the World Bank and the European Commission to address long-term care reforms and global experiences.
Another major highlight is the Founding Forum of the European Care Framework. This independent expert initiative aims to establish a technology-enabled framework for quality and sustainability in long-term care. High-level discussions will feature the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, alongside representatives from the World Bank and the European Commission to address long-term care reforms and global experiences.
Day 2: Medical Education, Policy, and Dignity in Care
On March 19, 2026, the program shifts toward systemic improvements and medical infrastructure. A significant discussion will revolve around Simulation Centres, focusing on how to transform a €50 million investment into measurable benefits for medical students and healthcare professionals.
The second day also addresses critical policy issues, including:
The second day also addresses critical policy issues, including:
- Medication Policy: Experts will discuss balancing free-market principles with guaranteed access to treatment for domestic patients.
- Palliative Care: A session led by international experts will explore how data can serve as a "compass" to ensure dignity and equity for patients at the end of life.
- Hospital Resilience: Discussions will continue on building sustainable business cases for healthcare facilities that can withstand future technological and economic shifts.
A Vision for the Future
The conference will conclude with a Grand Roundtable. This final session aims to link expert knowledge with practical experience to formulate policy recommendations for the long-term modernization and stability of the Slovak healthcare sector. From cybersecurity and eHealth ecosystems to the digitalization of social service houses, ITAPA Health & Care 2026 promises to be a foundational event for the future of care in Central Europe.
REGISTRATION on conferencie.
REGISTRATION on conferencie.
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