Greening Healthcare Governance: A Path to Sustainable and Ethical Health Systems
The healthcare sector, designed to protect and promote human well-being, ironically plays a significant role in environmental degradation. The contradiction lies in the fact that while medical institutions work to treat illness and promote longevity, their day-to-day operations can harm the planet, thereby indirectly compromising public health . As climate change accelerates and environmental concerns become more urgent, healthcare governance must evolve to incorporate sustainability and environmental stewardship into its strategic core. This transformation is not only environmentally ethical—it is crucial for building resilient, cost-effective, and socially responsible health systems. Understanding the Impact of Healthcare on the Environment Modern healthcare systems are among the most resource-intensive sectors in any economy. They consume vast amounts of energy, water, and raw materials, and generate significant amounts of waste—including hazardous, chemical, and pharmaceutical wast...