��Health Systems, Impact & Green Healthcare: Linkage to Planetary Health��These slides were generously donated to the SOPHEA project by�

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Dr Given Mwenda Moonga

June 2024

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You may use these slides under the following Creative Commons license:

Introduction to Health Systems

Components of the Health System

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• Service Delivery: The provision of health services to individuals and populations.
• Health Workforce: All people engaged in actions whose primary intent is to enhance health.
• Information: The generation, analysis, dissemination, and use of reliable and timely information on health determinants.
• Medical Products: Availability and access to essential medicines, vaccines, and technologies.
• Financing: Ensuring financial resources for health systems.
• Leadership and Governance: Ensuring strategic policy frameworks and oversight.

The Impact of Health Systems on the Environment

• Environmental Footprint
• Energy consumption: Hospitals and clinics are major consumers of energy.
• Waste generation: Large amounts of medical and general waste.
• Resource utilization: Use of water, pharmaceuticals, and other resources.
• Examples:
1. Hospitals: Intensive use of energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment.
2. Pharmaceuticals: Production and disposal processes impacting the environment.
3. Water Use: High consumption in healthcare facilities.

Goals of Green Healthcare System

Goals

• Reduce Environmental Impact- Minimize carbon footprint and resource usage.
• Enhance Sustainability- Promote long-term ecological balance.
• Improve Patient Health- Better air quality, reduced exposure to harmful chemicals.

Benefits

• Reduced energy and waste management costs.
• Lower pollution, healthier communities.
• Meeting environmental regulations.

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Key Strategies in Green Healthcare

Energy Efficiency

• Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
• Energy-efficient Buildings: Design and retrofit for lower energy use.
• Smart Technology: Automated systems to reduce energy waste.

Waste Management:

• Segregation and recycling of materials.
• Medical Waste Disposal
• Composting: Organic waste processing.

Sustainable Procurement

The Role of Health Systems in Planetary Health

Impact Reduction

• Emission Reduction: Lowering greenhouse gases from healthcare operations.
• Resource Conservation: Efficient use of water, energy, and materials.
• Pollution Control: Reducing chemical and pharmaceutical runoff.

Public Health Benefits

• Reduced Pollution: Lower rates of asthma, heart disease.
• Sustainable Practices: Promotes healthier environments.
• Healthier Communities: Better overall public health outcomes.

Sustainable Waste Management Practices

1. Segregation: Proper separation of medical and non-medical waste.
2. Recycling: Programs for paper, plastic, glass, and metals.
3. Composting: Organic waste processing for non-hazardous biological waste.
4. Safe Disposal: Methods for hazardous and pharmaceutical waste.

The Importance of Sustainable Procurement

1. Eco-friendly Products: Use of biodegradable and recyclable medical supplies.
2. Local Sourcing: Purchasing from local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions.
3. Reducing Single-use Plastics: Implementing alternatives to disposable items.

Health Systems and Climate Change

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Significant emissions from healthcare facilities.
2. Resource Depletion: High demand for energy, water, and materials.
3. Pollution: Air and water pollution from healthcare operations.

Policy and Governance in Green Healthcare

1. National: Government regulations promoting sustainable healthcare.
2. International: Global agreements and guidelines on green healthcare practices.
3. Institutional: Policies within healthcare organizations for sustainability.