Why sustainability in health care?
A sustainable healthcare system is essential for a multitude of reasons, as it guarantees continuous availability and accessibility of healthcare services while simultaneously addressing environmental, economic, and social factors. Here are several key reasons underscoring the importance of a sustainable healthcare system based on the insights I gained from a recent assignment in my workplace.
Background:
As an AIF Fellow, I had a defined project at my host organization, but I always sought out and embraced other assignments and opportunities that came my way. I believe that maintaining an open mind and a strong desire to learn consistently enhances existing knowledge. That is what led me to Serve, Learn, and Lead which is the core motto of our Fellowship as well.
On 23rd January 2024, the Public Health Foundation of India & the Health and Environment Leadership Platform hosted the Western Region Leadership Conclave on Healthcare Sustainability and Climate Action in Gandhinagar. It is a matter of pride that my host organization Doctors For You was invited to present solarisation and other sustainability initiatives as a case study. Since the hospital manager (my supervisor) had to present it, I had the opportunity to work with her on this assignment.
Takeaways from the task:
Throughout the journey, there was a wealth of knowledge to absorb, extending beyond the realm of sustainability initiatives to encompass insights from managerial perspectives. Discovering the intricate correlation and intersectionality between healthcare sustainability and climate action proved enlightening. Gathering data from the staff, delving into articles and publications outlining hospital initiatives, and personally visiting the facility were integral steps in comprehending its operational dynamics and processes.
Exploring the hospital’s Initiative toward sustainability:
Vistex-DFY Charitable Hospital is fully committed to “Striving for a healthier community through sustainable healthcare practices.” For that, within the hospital, various small initiatives have been taken to promote and practice sustainability at the workplace. The climate-resilient practices of the Vistex-DFY charitable Hospital were also featured by The World Bank in October 2021 in one of their study titled COVID-19 AND CLIMATE-SMART HEALTH CARE (Health Sector Opportunities for a Synergistic Response to the COVID-19 and Climate Crises).
Some of the major initiatives of the hospital are:
- We are constructing a hospital as part of the green initiative, which includes a garden, plenty of fruit trees, and other plants. Additionally, we are planting trees in and around the campuses on various occasions.
- The hospital has a strict policy for waste management. To dispose of medical waste, hospitals have tied up with the IGIMS government hospital. The hospital decomposes organic waste and uses it as manure. They follow the practice of using recycled paper bags for providing medicines and reports. Additionally, the canteen uses steel plates and glasses.
- The hospital design includes provisions for rainwater harvesting.
- The construction of the hospital building uses agri-bio panels, which often utilize agricultural residues or by-products that would typically be discarded as waste. Agri bio panels exhibit favorable insulation properties, improving the energy efficiency of buildings. This can result in lowered expenses for heating and cooling, rendering the structure not only more environmentally sustainable but also economically efficient over time.
Solarisation initiative:
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the hospital with support from SLECO and other organizations installed solar power systems to have clean and renewable energy sources.
The leadership behind this idea:
It has been the vision of the DFY founder and President to build an eco-friendly Sustainable healthcare system. The concept of solarization in the context of hospitals emerges with the initial construction of the hospital. The goal is to have a cost-effective alternative energy source that contributes to environmental conservation. By using solar technologies, this continuous approach involves generating electricity for the hospital from the sunlight. It also aligns with the organization’s commitment to providing cost-effective quality healthcare facilities in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner.
Players who play a significant role in shaping it:
It would not be possible without the support of the Selco Foundation. They are the ones who do the whole solarization within the hospital through their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Apart from that, Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy through their CSR set up a Malnutrition food storage unit in the hospital.
What is the rationale for the Solarization of this hospital?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital operated as a dedicated COVID care and vaccination center, requiring 24/7 service. It is crucial to have a backup power source, rather than relying solely on electricity since the hospital is in a rural area where power cuts can occur due to bad weather, single-phase light, and other factors. To avoid such situations, the cost-effective and sustainable approach will be solarization.
The solar power potential:
The hospital has a total solar capacity of 23.5 KVA on campus. The hospital has two units of 7.5 KVA for hospital support, 7 KVA for the vaccine center, 4 KVA for the malnutrition food storage unit, and 4.5 KVA for staff accommodation.
Impact of solarization:
As per a Selco Foundation’s report, it saves up to 58% of energy and related costs, which translates to around Rupees 7, 78,353 (USD 10,435) per year. It is possible because of the combination of solar energy and energy-efficient equipment.
Solar energy meets around 60% of the hospital’s energy needs. During unfavorable weather (e.g., cloudy skies), solar batteries can provide up to 24 hours of power backup. Most medical equipment and departments run on solar energy as depicted in the below table:
| Pharmacy | Vaccination centre | Operation Theatre |
| X-Ray | Physiotherapy Department | USG Machine |
| ICU/IPD/HDU/Day Care | Community Health Centre | Casualty/Emergency room |
| Labour room | Dental Department | CCTV & All computer system |
Solar technologies involve solar shading and reflective roofing that leads to regulating indoor temperatures of the hospital. This helps to provide a controlled and comfortable climate within the hospital and creates a positive environmental impact.
Furthermore, solarization ensures that hospitals can maintain critical healthcare services while also contributing to reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint
Conclusion
References:
https://greenhospitals.org/new-case-study-climate-smart-architecture-and-renewable-energy-to-power-a-rural-hospital-in-india
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/736871635222977110/pdf/COVID-19-and-Climate-Smart-Health-Care-Health-Sector-Opportunities-for-a-Synergistic-Response-to-the-COVID-19-and-Climate-Crises.pdf
