Environmental Sustainability Practices in Hospitals of Punjab

Abstract

This study aimed to identify environmental sustainability indicators in hospitals across Punjab, India, and evaluate hospital performance based on these indicators. The sustainability index was adapted from Smercenik and Anderson (2011), assessing hospitals across six dimensions: Sustainable Management, Hospital Pollution Management, Environmental Communication, Resource Conservation, Energy Conservation, and Patient Room Sustainability. The sample included 230 medical practitioners and administrative staff from 76 private and government hospitals in Punjab. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 24, employing descriptive statistics and bar graphs to evaluate the implementation of sustainability practices. The findings revealed that the overall implementation of these practices was below average. The highest levels of implementation were observed in 'Resource Conservation,' followed by 'Managing Hospital Pollution,' 'Patient Room Sustainability,' and 'Energy Conservation.' Conversely, 'Sustainable Management,' 'Environmental Communication,' and 'Water Recycling' were the least implemented practices. By exploring the extent and nature of eco-friendly practices in a resource-constrained region, this study contributes to the limited understanding of environmental sustainability in developing cities, offering valuable insights into current trends within the healthcare sector and the state of hospital sustainability.