The Southeast Asia region, renowned for its cultural diversity and rapid economic growth, grapples with a critical challenge at the intersection of health and environmental sustainability. As the healthcare system endeavors to provide universal healthcare while adhering to climate resilience guidelines, concerns over its environmental impact loom large. Unsustainable procurement practices, rampant single-use plastic consumption, inadequate waste management, and harmful chemical use within healthcare facilities contribute significantly to environmental degradation and public health threats. Recognizing this complex interplay, there is an urgent call to establish a comprehensive environmental sustainability program, building upon past initiatives. This program must address the multifaceted challenges within the healthcare sector, focusing on sustainable procurement, detoxification of plastics, waste minimization, and sound chemical management.
