Hyderabad: India recycles 25.7 per cent of hospital waste, reducing its environmental impact. This number is higher compared to Western countries where most hospital waste ends up in landfills.
In two weeks, the recycling practice saves 380 kg of CO₂e emissions, equivalent to generating 9,816 kWh of solar energy, removing 2.1 cars from Indian roads or offsetting the annual CO₂ emissions of 467 trees.
Carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) are a measure of the effect of different greenhouse gases on climate.
The data was presented in a study conducted by AIG Hospitals published in the prestigious journal Gut. The study also highlighted the carbon footprint of gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) procedures and the need for sustainable healthcare practices.
The research, titled ‘Carbon Footprinting and Environmental Impact of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures at a Tertiary Care Institution: A Prospective Multi-Dimensional Assessment,’ provided a detailed analysis of emissions and waste generation in healthcare.
Lower waste per procedure in India
The study found that waste generation per GIE procedure in India is 0.504 kg, significantly lower than in Western countries, where it ranges between 2–3 kg per procedure. This reduction is largely due to the use of reusable materials and more efficient resource management in Indian hospitals.
Dr Hardik Rughwani, lead researcher of the study, emphasised the importance of these findings, stating, “This is a crucial step in understanding and addressing the environmental impact of high-volume procedures like gastrointestinal endoscopy. By highlighting the significant carbon footprint of these procedures, we aim to drive change in healthcare practices. The findings emphasise the importance of optimising resource use, promoting recycling and exploring non-invasive diagnostic alternatives. We hope this research will inspire healthcare providers and policymakers to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.”
Carbon footprint of endoscopy procedures
The study found that the average carbon footprint of a single GIE procedure is 38.45 kg CO₂e. While this may seem small, the cumulative effect is significant. If a single endoscopy unit conducts 10,000 procedures per year, total emissions would reach 384,500 kg CO₂e—equivalent to the CO₂ absorption of 17,500 mature trees annually.
Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, chairman, AIG Hospitals, noted, “Healthcare activities, particularly in tertiary care centres, have a significant environmental impact. As a country with a large population and growing healthcare needs, India must lead the way in sustainable healthcare practices. This study highlights the critical need to talk about the environmental impact of healthcare and provides actionable insights for reducing carbon emissions from hospitals. By adopting eco-friendly practices, we can significantly mitigate our environmental footprint while continuing to provide high-quality care.”
Patient Travel: The largest contributor to emissions
One of the most significant findings of the study was that 83.09 per cent of total emissions from GIE procedures come from patient travel. This highlights the importance of improving healthcare accessibility and promoting sustainable transportation options to reduce travel-related emissions. Other contributors include:
• Electricity consumption – 10.42%
• Medical gases and instrument transport – 3.63%
• Water consumption – 1.86%
• Detergent and disinfectant usage – 0.52%
• Accessories transport – 0.41%
• Waste generation – 0.025%
These findings suggest that telemedicine services, decentralised healthcare facilities and low-emission transport options could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of medical care.
Recommendations for sustainable healthcare practices
The study calls for hospitals to establish dedicated sustainability departments, led by ‘Eco-Visionaries’ and ‘Green Endoscopy Revolutionaries,’ to implement sustainable initiatives. Key recommendations include:
• Increasing recycling rates to reduce waste-related emissions
• Optimising electricity and water usage in hospitals
• Reducing patient travel through better accessibility and digital healthcare solutions
• Exploring non-invasive diagnostic alternatives such as advanced imaging techniques and biochemical markers
As India continues to expand its healthcare infrastructure, these findings could serve as a foundation for policy changes and hospital guidelines aimed at minimizing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly medical practices.
