HEALTH care institutions are pivotal in improving public health by providing medical care and ensuring well-being. However, the health care sector consumes resources and generates waste that has negative environmental impacts and contributes to environmental pollution.
The improper disposal of medical wastes such as needles, syringes and other disposable medical supplies leads to pollution of water bodies and soil. Inadequate wastewater management and industrial pollution affect water sources. Contaminated water leads to waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, cholera and typhoid fever.
Health care facilities utilize large amounts of energy and water, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and water scarcity. The lack of proper monitoring of the operation of medical equipment, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as the use of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, can have environmental consequences.
According to the Health Care Climate Footprint report by Health Care Without Harm in 2022, if it were a country, the global health care industry would be the fifth-largest greenhouse gas emitter on Earth. With a carbon footprint equal to that of 514 coal-fired power plants, it is responsible for almost 5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The 'business-as-usual' scenario could triple emissions by 2050, with a massive impact on public health. Heat-related illnesses, cardiovascular issues, respiratory diseases secondary to air pollution, and the spread of vector-borne diseases will increase as temperatures rise.
Frequent extreme weather events will challenge health care systems as hospitals and clinics face disruptions in operations. The health care sector must adapt to these changes and mitigate their effects on communities and individuals.
The health care industry can address these issues by executing sustainable operations to reduce its carbon footprint, such as adopting energy-efficient technologies, implementing waste-reduction strategies, optimizing water usage, promoting upcycling or recycling products, properly disposing of hazardous materials, and utilizing renewable energy sources.
Health care organizations can transition to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. By investing in clean energy, they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable energy grid.
Health care facilities can advocate for green infrastructure by incorporating green building designs and practices. This includes using eco-friendly materials, maximizing natural lighting, implementing efficient heating and cooling systems, and creating green spaces that improve air quality and promote well-being.
Health care providers can prioritize a sustainable supply chain through environmentally friendly procurement practices. This means sourcing products and equipment from suppliers that adhere to sustainable manufacturing processes, reducing waste in packaging, and promoting the use of recyclable or biodegradable materials.
Health care professionals have a unique opportunity to be advocates of learning by educating patients and communities about the health impacts of climate change. The health care sector can raise awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution and advocate for policies promoting cleaner air, such as stricter emission standards and the use of renewable energy sources.
Raising awareness and providing guidance on preventive measures can empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle choices that benefit their health and the environment. Likewise, health care organizations can push for policies that support climate action and promote public health, advocate for environmental sustainability policies, and emphasize the importance of clean water, proper sanitation practices, and initiatives to improve water quality.
By integrating sustainable practices into their operations, health care providers can mitigate climate change, reduce environmental harm, and promote a healthier and more resilient future for all.
Addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change in the Philippines entails the collaboration of multi-stakeholders such as the health care sector, government agencies and the public. Regulatory bodies and accreditation organizations have heightened the importance of environmental sustainability in health care. They are developing stricter guidelines and higher standards to encourage health care institutions to minimize pollution and adopt more sustainable practices.
By working together to address the environmental footprint, health care institutions can raise awareness, implement effective policies, develop innovative solutions, improve public health outcomes, promote a nourishing environment, and develop a more resilient health care system that generates a healthier planet parallel to fulfilling its primordial goal of providing quality health care services for its citizens.

Dr. Jacqueline C. Angeles is a diplomate of the Philippine Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and a fellow of the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, with subspecialty training in facial plastic reconstructive surgery at the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam. She is hospital director of St. Camillus Medical Center in Pasig and chief executive officer of the Camillian Healthcare Institutions in the Philippines.