Malaysia's path to a sustainable healthcare sector

Malaysia's healthcare system, renowned for its efficiency and accessibility, faces a critical challenge in the 21st century: sustainability. As global awareness of climate change and its impacts on human health grows, many countries are taking decisive steps to create green and sustainable health sectors. However, Malaysia seems to be lagging behind in this crucial area. This article explores the reasons behind Malaysia's slow adoption of green healthcare practices and outlines potential pathways for a more sustainable future.

The Global Context of Green Healthcare

The healthcare industry worldwide is recognizing its significant contribution to climate change. Dr. Milton Lum, a prominent figure in Malaysian healthcare, points out, "If the global health sector were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter on the planet". This startling fact underscores the urgent need for healthcare systems to address their environmental impact.

Many countries, particularly in Europe and North America, are taking proactive steps to reduce their carbon footprints. The UK's National Health Service (NHS), for instance, has embarked on an ambitious "Net Zero" plan, aiming to become the world's first net-zero national health service by 2040. Such initiatives set a high bar for other countries, including Malaysia, to follow.

Malaysia's Current State of Healthcare Sustainability

Despite having a robust healthcare system, Malaysia has been notably quiet on the green healthcare front. The Health Ministry (MOH), which provides about 75% of all hospital beds in the country, has shown little public initiative towards creating a sustainable health sector.

This silence is particularly concerning given the known impacts of climate change on human health. As Dr. Lum explains, "The effect of climate change on human health is increasingly severe and unpredictable. The direct impacts include injuries and death from extreme events such as fires, storms, floods and heatwaves, while the indirect impacts are mediated by air pollution, waterborne and vector borne diseases, and food safety and insecurity".

Barriers to Green Healthcare in Malaysia

Several factors contribute to Malaysia's slow adoption of green healthcare practices:

Lack of Awareness: There seems to be a general lack of awareness about the healthcare sector's carbon footprint among policymakers and healthcare professionals in Malaysia.

Limited Research: Unlike countries such as the UK and Australia, Malaysia has not conducted comprehensive studies to quantify the carbon footprint of its healthcare system.

Absence of National Policies: The lack of national policies or guidelines on sustainable healthcare practices hinders systematic implementation across the sector.

Resource Constraints: Implementing green practices often requires initial investments in infrastructure and technology, which may be challenging for a developing country like Malaysia.

Focus on Other Healthcare Priorities: Malaysia may be prioritizing other aspects of healthcare improvement, such as accessibility and quality, over sustainability.

Opportunities for Green Healthcare in Malaysia

Despite these challenges, there are promising signs and opportunities for Malaysia to develop a more sustainable health sector:

Private Sector Initiatives

Some private healthcare facilities in Malaysia are taking the lead in implementing sustainable practices. For example, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has committed to the Race to Zero by 2050 and is actively monitoring its carbon footprint. Such initiatives can serve as models for other healthcare facilities in the country.

Global Networks and Knowledge Sharing

Malaysia can benefit from global networks like the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals network, which recognizes and shares best practices in healthcare sustainability. Dr. Lum notes that two Malaysian facilities, "Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV, Malaysia) and Buddhist Tzu Chi Dialysis Centre (Malaysia)," have been recognized for their sustainability practices.

Potential for Energy Efficiency

Given that healthcare facilities are energy-intensive, there's significant potential for energy efficiency improvements. Implementing energy-saving measures can not only reduce carbon emissions but also lead to cost savings in the long run.

Waste Management Opportunities

Proper waste management in healthcare facilities can significantly reduce environmental impact. Implementing comprehensive recycling programs and exploring alternatives to single-use plastics are areas where Malaysian hospitals can make substantial progress.

The Way Forward: Recommendations for a Greener Malaysian Healthcare Sector

To transition towards a more sustainable health sector, Malaysia should consider the following steps:

National Policy Development: The Ministry of Health should develop a comprehensive national policy on green healthcare, setting clear targets and guidelines for sustainability in the sector.

Carbon Footprint Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of the carbon footprint of Malaysia's healthcare system to identify key areas for improvement.

Awareness and Education: Launch awareness campaigns and educational programs for healthcare professionals and the public about the importance of sustainable healthcare practices.

Incentives for Green Practices: Introduce incentives for healthcare facilities that implement sustainable practices, such as tax breaks or recognition programs.

Research and Innovation: Encourage research into sustainable healthcare practices tailored to Malaysia's specific context and needs.

Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between public and private healthcare providers to share best practices and resources for sustainability initiatives.

International Collaboration: Actively participate in international forums and networks focused on green healthcare to learn from global best practices.

Green Building Standards: Implement green building standards for new healthcare facilities and retrofitting programs for existing ones.

Sustainable Procurement: Develop guidelines for sustainable procurement in healthcare, prioritizing eco-friendly medical equipment and supplies.

Renewable Energy Adoption: Encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources in healthcare facilities, such as solar panels on hospital roofs.

The Ethical Imperative

Dr. Lum emphasizes the ethical responsibility of the healthcare sector in addressing climate change: "The health sector is one of the most trusted and respected sections of society, and it is also one of the largest employers and consumers of energy. This presents both a responsibility and an opportunity to be an 'early mover' to achieve climate-neutrality in its own operations, and to demonstrate that this can go hand-in-hand with improved effectiveness and cost saving".

This ethical imperative extends to healthcare leadership. Dr. Lum asserts, "The MOH and the Malaysian Medical Council must demonstrate ethical climate leadership that is urgently required". By taking a proactive stance on sustainability, Malaysia's healthcare sector can not only reduce its environmental impact but also set an example for other sectors of the economy.

The journey towards a green and sustainable health sector in Malaysia is challenging but necessary. As Dr. Lum poignantly states, "Climate change poses an existential threat to humankind. There is no health or healthcare on a dead planet". By acknowledging the urgency of the situation and taking concrete steps towards sustainability, Malaysia can transform its healthcare sector into a model of environmental responsibility and resilience.

The transition to a green health sector is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it's about creating a healthcare system that is prepared for the health challenges of the future. By embracing sustainability, Malaysia's healthcare sector can improve its efficiency, reduce costs in the long term, and most importantly, contribute to the global fight against climate change while continuing to provide high-quality care to its citizens.

As Malaysia moves forward, the collaboration between government bodies, healthcare providers, and the public will be crucial in creating a healthcare system that is not only effective and accessible but also environmentally sustainable. The time for action is now, and Malaysia has the opportunity to become a leader in green healthcare in the Southeast Asian region and beyond.