Faced with the task of reducing its carbon footprint, the healthcare industry requires to “functionally adjust” itself in terms of energy consumption, usage of energy efficient equipment and materials, and waste generation and handling, if it were to meet the challenges posed by climate change, speakers at a conference in Chennai highlighted on Thursday (February 5, 2026).
Healthcare delivery systems contribute substantially to carbon emissions through resource-intense operations and high energy use and it becomes imperative to address the gaps in efficiency in its built environment through introduction of sustainable practices. Climate change was also accelerating non-communicable and infectious diseases burden, underlining the need for preparing clinical services for shifting disease patterns, disasters, and population displacement.
At the Global Summit on “Climate Change Mitigation, Healthcare Perspective” organised by the Common Wealth Medical Association (CMA), practitioners deliberated on the need for shaping solutions to enhance system resilience and patient care.
Delivering the keynote address, S. Arulrhaj, past national president, IMA, said heat-related stress, acute cardiovascular events, respiratory issues, and the spread of vector-borne diseases are all exacerbated by climate change. Mitigation efforts should include enhancing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable sources.
