As the global community grapples with the profound impacts of climate change, the healthcare sector finds itself at a critical juncture where its role in fostering sustainability has never been more important. The urgent need to transition towards sustainable healthcare practices is not just a matter of environmental responsibility but also of ensuring the well-being of future generations. Intensifying efforts towards healthcare sustainability is crucial for advancing toward a future that is both environmentally resilient and health conscious.

By adopting green practices, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce their ecological footprint while continuing to provide high-quality care. This shift is essential not only for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change but also for safeguarding a healthier planet for generations to come. Through innovative approaches and committed action, the healthcare sector can lead the way in creating a more sustainable and equitable future, embodying the principles of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

MedEdge MEA has secured the opportunity to interview Dr. Bassam Kaddissi, Chairman of the Healthcare Sustainability Division at the Arab Hospitals Federation and Chairman of the Arab Healthcare Sustainability Center. The interview will explore the importance of intensifying efforts toward a more sustainable future and a healthier planet for future generations.

MedEdge MEA: What is the role of the Arab Hospitals Federation in promoting sustainability culture among its members?

Dr. Bassam Kaddissi: The concept of sustainability has evolved in response to growing concerns about protecting the planet from climate change driven by human activities. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing climate challenges, the Federation’s focus, under my leadership as Chairman of the Healthcare Sustainability Division, has been on developing the “3S” approach: smart, sustainable, and safe hospitals. We have continued to collaborate with healthcare sector partners to advance sustainability goals, enhancing a healthcare system that can address various climate challenges and respond effectively to emerging needs.

ME: What is the impact of climate change on health, and what steps should be taken?

BK: The impact is significant, with rising global temperatures, severe weather changes, and resulting alterations in ecosystems potentially accelerating the spread of epidemics and infectious diseases. These changes exacerbate air and water pollution, which in turn affects food safety and water resources. Therefore, implementing sustainable healthcare practices not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of healthcare services by creating a healthier and safer environment for patients.

ME: What damage can the global healthcare industry cause?

BK: Studies have shown that the global healthcare industry is responsible for 4.4% of annual carbon dioxide emissions, surpassing emissions from aviation and shipping. A single hospital uses approximately 5,000 liters of water daily and generates several kilograms of hazardous waste. Healthcare facilities also consume significant amounts of energy, contributing to substantial carbon emissions from energy use and transportation. Additionally, they produce large quantities of waste, including hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment.

ME: How can facilities become sustainable?

BK: We are actively assisting healthcare facilities in adopting sustainability practices, which are crucial for reducing their carbon footprint. This involves implementing green practices to mitigate environmental impacts, enhancing energy efficiency, and utilizing renewable energy sources. Effective waste management, including proper sorting and recycling, is essential. This approach reflects a careful balance between environmental protection, hygiene requirements, and ensuring the best service for patients and staff. Additionally, prioritizing resource efficiency through responsible water management and eco-friendly product procurement is another key aspect that facilities can focus on to achieve sustainability.

ME: You have launched a strategy for new hospital designs. Could you elaborate on it and its connection to transforming into a sustainable hospital?

BK: Indeed, the Federation’s goal was to introduce a new vision for designing healthcare facilities that emphasizes factors affecting hospital service performance and their impact on patients, staff, and visitors. The Executive Board of the Arab Hospitals Federation developed this unique vision to offer to the Arab healthcare sector, ensuring that our facilities are among the best globally and adopt the latest trends and methods to address challenges. This vision promotes the concepts of safe, smart, and sustainable hospitals and represents an exceptional strategy needed by healthcare facilities to advance health in Arab countries. It has been praised by sector stakeholders. Facilities can enhance sustainability by incorporating green building designs throughout construction phases. Green buildings, featuring natural lighting, efficient ventilation, rainwater harvesting, environmentally friendly insulation materials, and green spaces, create positive therapeutic environments for patients and staff.

ME: To undertake this journey and face challenges, what is required in your opinion?

BK: While adopting these practices can achieve sustainability, the success of this journey largely depends on encouraging government and leader commitment, fostering behavior change, increasing awareness within healthcare institutions and the community, and educating and training the healthcare workforce on the importance of sustainable practices and their positive impact on the environment and public health. Previously, the high costs of implementing sustainability measures posed significant barriers. Transforming healthcare facilities into sustainable ones faced challenges related to costs, technological barriers, and other obstacles. However, it is crucial to prioritize the benefits of green practices, overcome these barriers, and seek opportunities for implementation. Intensifying efforts toward sustainable healthcare are essential, representing a crucial step toward a more sustainable future and contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

Also Read: “UAE becoming a role model internationally in combating non-communicable Diseases’’: Dr. Buthaina Bin Belaila

ME: In addition to your position, you are the chairman of the Arab Healthcare sustainability center launched lately by the Arab Hospitals Federation, can you share with us its role, and what will it offer to the Arab market?

BK: The Arab Healthcare Sustainability Center is a unique institution in the Arab region dedicated to supporting and assisting healthcare leaders on their journey toward sustainability. The center offers a wide range of services, including creating roadmaps for hospitals, conducting training and educational sessions for healthcare professionals on various topics, and providing consultancy services to turn pledges into concrete actions. The center has played a pivotal role during COP28 by participating in dialogues with high-level personalities in panels and roundtable sessions, advancing its mission to guide hospitals toward greener practices.

At the center, we are developing practical guides for hospitals, providing essential information to help healthcare leaders and institutions identify their starting points and implement effective sustainability strategies.