Global Green and Healthy Hospital Network: Connecting Nepalese hospitals through a common goal on sustainable waste management

Abstract

Introduction: As an international network platform, the Global Green and Healthy Hospital (GGHH) was introduced with ten goals, including Waste. Waste has been the common and priority goal of most Nepalese hospitals, which brought all of them to unite to solve the common issues of sustainable waste management with a shared commitment.
Method: The GGHH initiative began by engaging hospitals committed to improving their environmental health situation inside their hospitals. Most hospitals had committed to Goal 3, “Waste,” to improve their waste management scenario at their hospitals. Segregation at source, encouraging recycling and adopting environmentally friendly practices and technologies. Data were gathered on waste reduction efforts, recycling rates, and adopting sustainable practices from participating hospitals.
Results: The initiative engaged 28 hospitals from three ecological regions of Nepal, resulting in a global network committed to sustainable healthcare waste management. Overall, a reduction in waste generation was observed in hospitals, with a notable increase in recycling rates. Hospitals also reported adopting energy-efficient technologies, hence reducing their carbon footprint. Nine case studies have been published for global sharing.
Conclusion: The GGHH membership has motivated Nepalese hospitals to initiate the waste management system to showcase their efforts on sustainable solutions. The initiative serves as a learning platform for addressing pressing environmental issues with the potential to drive positive change for a healthy planet.