At the 11th International Patient Safety Conference held on February 23, 2024, in Bangalore, India, the focus shifted to advancing sustainability and resilience within the healthcare sector. Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, set the tone by urging India to play a major role in new healthcare systems advances.
Sustainable healthcare needs increased collaboration
One of the key highlights was the plenary session on 'Climate change and sustainability,' which sparked insightful discussions on transitioning healthcare practices from "Nice-to-have" to "Must-have" in the face of climate change challenges. Moderated by Dr. Karan Thakur from Apollo Hospitals, the session explored the imperative for greening healthcare initiatives, emphasizing positive steps toward a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future. Experts like Dr. Alexander Thomas, Sujayathi Dasgupta, Ajitha Nair, and Sonia Roschnik stressed the need for a multi-pronged approach, efficient hospital operations, transparency, and collaborative efforts both within India and globally.
New hospital sustainability standards announced
A significant announcement came from Dr. Joel Roos, Vice President of International Accreditation, Quality Improvement, and Patient Safety at Joint Commission International (JCI), regarding the development of international environmental sustainability standards for hospitals. These standards, developed in collaboration with the Geneva Sustainability Centre, will cover governance, employee engagement, procurement practices, infrastructure, and the use of environmental resources, aiming for publication in mid-2024.
Net Zero Masterclass: Climate change is a healthcare issue
The conference reiterated the growing desire among patients and healthcare staff to embrace green and sustainable practices, echoing Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, who emphasised India's potential for healthcare both within and beyond its borders. The Navigating Net Zero masterclass, a conference side event, attracted consultants, sustainability experts, and individuals eager to understand the impact of climate change on healthcare delivery. Participants engaged in robust discussions, particularly focusing on strategies to care for India's vast population and the necessary healthcare framework to support them.
With continued collaboration and innovation, the global healthcare sector is set out towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Source: International Hospital Federation
Image Credit: iStock
