The importance of medical spas and health resorts within European healthcare is growing, especially as chronic diseases affect up to a quarter of the population. Traditional medicine alone cannot meet the long-term needs of these patients, while health resorts offer a unique combination of physical therapy, rehabilitation, well-being, and patient education, making them an effective complement to classical treatment.

For medical spas to be fully integrated and recognised, Prof. Carpentier stresses the need for rigorous scientific evidence. Treatments must be evaluated with methodologies comparable to pharmacological research – randomised studies, control groups, and blinded assessments wherever possible. Only strong scientific validation will convince insurance providers, ensure affordability for all income groups, and prevent spa therapies from becoming a luxury accessible only to the wealthy.

“While artificial intelligence may support healthcare delivery, it cannot replace the human relationship essential in chronic disease care. Europe’s diversity in spa practices is both a challenge and an opportunity, and the European Spa Association plays a key role in unifying standards and sharing experience across countries,” says Carpentier.

Looking ahead, Carpentier sees two priorities: significantly more research and better education for medical professionals, including integrating balneotherapy into medical training.

The ISMH World Congress is one of the most important international scientific meetings in the field of balneology, medical hydrology and climatology. The 48th Congress will bring together clinicians, researchers, academics, and health professionals from around the world to exchange knowledge, present current research, and discuss future directions in medical hydrology and spa medicine.

Organisers are proud to announce that participants from 27 countries have already registered, confirming strong international interest and the global relevance of this Congress.

Main Topics

The Congress will cover a broad range of multidisciplinary topics, including:

• Pain management and healthy ageing
• Balneotherapy in musculoskeletal, neurological, dermatological, metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases
• Post-COVID rehabilitation and recovery
• Integrative and complementary medicine
• Balneotherapy in paediatrics
• Peloid therapy and thalassotherapy
• Health resort management and economics
• The Global H₂S Initiative

The scientific program will feature plenary lectures by internationally recognised invited speakers, oral and poster presentations, and thematic sessions designed to encourage discussion and international collaboration.

The Congress will take place in Banja Koviljača, one of the oldest and most renowned spa towns in Serbia, in Southeast Europe, known for its long tradition in medical hydrology and rehabilitation medicine. Scientific and official events will be held at several venues within walking distance, including the historic Kur-Salon, Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital and nearby congress and hotel facilities within the spa complex.

Banja Koviljača is easily accessible via Belgrade Nikola Tesla International Airport (BEG), approximately 120 km away (70-minute drive), with organised transfers available. An alternative option is Tuzla International Airport (TZL), located about 60 km from the venue.

Registration and Participation

The Congress is open to ISMH members and non-members, physicians, researchers, health professionals, and students with an interest in balneology and related disciplines.

Early bird registration is available until February 1st 2026, offering reduced registration fees.

Further information regarding registration, abstract submission, accommodation, and official deadlines is available at the website and by e-mail: ismh@balneologija.rs and www.balneologija.rs/ismh.html.