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Recognition

HDI is a charitable non-profit organization, recognized by the Independent Charities of America.

The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to the members that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness.

These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world.

Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal.

Our Founder

Health Development International was founded in 1990 by Dr. Rufino L. Macagba to provide leadership training for hospitals in developing nations. Building on his experience as a physician and hospital executive at Lorma Hospital in San Fernando, Philippines, Dr. Macagba created a one-week management course relevant for health organizations in resource-challenged environments. He presented the course to healthcare leaders in Guatemala and South Africa as well as the Philippines, with support from the International Hospital Federation and Foundation for Professional Development.

Dr. Macagba consistently integrated his Christian faith and his commitment to the community with his leadership training, challenging hospitals to serve the entire service area, including those who are impoverished or underprivileged. His visionary leadership at Lorma Hospital contributed to the development of Lorma Colleges and the Lorma Community Development Foundation, extending the impact of his holistic and compassionate philosophy.

Dr. Macagba retired from HDI leadership in 2007, but his legacy continues as the organization builds on his curriculum and expands his vision.

The Current President

Ken Hekman is the second President of HDI in 2007, bringing with him a portfolio of both domestic and international health management successes.

He is a seasoned health care executive and consultant, having served more than 400 organizations on five continents for over three decades. His strategic leadership for the Dr. Luca Medical Center in Romania contributed to its recognition as a model of both compassionate integrity and economic stability in a challenging post-communist culture.

He has served on the faculty for the Christian Medical and Dental Association at both national and international conferences and is the author of three books in the medical management field.

Mr. Hekman’s expanding vision is for HDI to mobilize health care managers and consultants to join him in bringing management training and mentoring to hospital and clinic leaders in developing countries.

But he also wants to bring world-class strategic planning services and financial resources to create model organizations like Lorma Hospital and the Dr. Luca Medical Center in every culture. He sees the day when every hospital and clinic will aspire to emulate these models, founded on principles of integrity, quality and compassion, and thereby raise the health and well-being of people in every community.

HDI now includes two dozen volunteer health care managers and consultants trained to teach and mentor managers in emerging countries. The organization is based in Holland, Michigan.

Letter from the President