UAE – The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has reiterated the Emirate’s healthcare sustainability goals aimed at capping carbon emissions by 20% in 2030 and achieving carbon net zero by 2050.
In a press release, the regulative body stated: “Through Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sustainability goals, DoH seeks to set a roadmap for the Emirate’s healthcare sustainability progress and accelerate alignment across the ecosystem.”
DoH has set long- and short-term goals in its healthcare sustainability agenda focused on three key pillars including infrastructure, operations, and healthcare waste.
The sustainability goals seek to set the stage for strategic targets that will build on Abu Dhabi’s efforts to create a better future for generations to come, as well as ensure a future-proof healthcare ecosystem in the Emirate.
“DoH continues to lead the sector’s sustainability agenda through ensuring the availability of a solid roadmap and to equip the healthcare ecosystem with the means to achieve sustainable operations,” H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi said.
On the infrastructure front, the Department of Health will actively support Abu Dhabi’s healthcare facilities in the adoption of green building methodologies while transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources.
The regulatory agency expects its healthcare facilities to take action on sustainable, recyclable and natural sourcing of materials in hospital construction and maintenance.
In addition, it will support the healthcare sector in leading sustainable operations related to chemicals food, procurement, transportation, and water.
Abu Dhabi’s DoH confirmed that it will establish its carbon footprint baseline in hospital operations to promote and support nutritious and sustainable food systems that are locally produced.
“Reflecting Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare, we remain committed to ensuring the availability of conscious and innovative operations across all levels,” Dr. Jamal Mohammed highlighted.
With a global focus on medical waste reduction, DoH aims to enable healthcare facilities to decrease, treat and safely dispose healthcare waste.
It also aims to expand collaborations and partnerships with leading international organisations to exchange knowledge and expertise in the field of sustainability.
Moreover, the sustainability targets will allow the regulator to establish a solid governance model for Green Hospitals across the Emirate, while advancing on its ongoing efforts to improve the healthcare ecosystem from all aspects.
The Department of Health is working closely with its partners across the sector to develop Abu Dhabi-specific accreditation and labelling for Green Hospitals.
On her part, H.E. Hind Al Zaabi, the Executive Director of Healthcare Facilities at DoH said: “To ensure a seamless application of these guidelines and fuel healthy competition across the sector, a new sustainability index “Emirald Muashir” will be added to “Muashir”.
She disclosed that following the launch of “Emirald Muashir” in the Emirate’s healthcare quality index, facilities will be granted specific accreditations that showcase their levels of adaptation to the sustainability goals and guidelines.
Furthermore, the Department will equip the sector with the required training to learn and delve deeper in the field of sustainability through providing access to international networks.
It will also work closely with the wider healthcare ecosystem to revaluate prescription practices and apply efficient means of pharmaceutical waste management in the Emirate.
Finally, DoH encouraged the healthcare ecosystem to utilise more environmental-friendly transportation across the sector and reduce water consumption.
For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook.
