Public Health Facilities and Climate Change: Ladakh’s Journey

Public Health Facilities and Climate Change: Ladakh’s Journey

By Dr. Chinmayee Swain

Sr. Consultant – Quality & Patient Safety, Environmentalist,

NHSRC, MoHFW, GoI

&

Dr. Syed Mustansir Ul Hassnain

Dental Surgeon/State Nodal Officer – Quality Assurance,

UT of Ladakh

Climate Change: Past, Present, and Future

Climate change negotiations must account for historical emissions, present actions, and future projections. Carbon dioxide’s long atmospheric lifespan means past emissions continue to impact the planet, while current efforts must balance the limited global atmospheric space. The future is critical, as nations must drastically reduce emissions to prevent further strain on the environment.

From Temperature to Health

In 1989, Professor Alexander Leaf of Harvard Medical School raised concerns in *The New England Journal of Medicine* about the impact of climate change on human health, questioning whether action could be delayed. Over three decades later, the global average temperature is projected to rise by 2°C by 2100, and sea levels could increase by 1–2 meters. These alarming trends underscore the urgent need for immediate action.

International Overview

The health sector contributes 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a shift toward net-zero emissions by 2050. For instance, Brazilian hospitals consume 10.6% of commercial energy, while the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) accounts for 18 million tons of CO2 annually. In the U.S., the health sector is the largest consumer of carcinogenic chemicals, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.

National Overview

In the U.S., climate change has led to cardiovascular issues, respiratory illnesses, premature deaths, and the spread of infectious diseases. By 2050, it is projected to cause an additional 250,000 deaths annually. In India, healthcare facilities contribute 7.58% of total electricity consumption, generating approximately 517 tons of waste daily. These statistics emphasise the need for sustainable healthcare systems.

Role of the Health Sector: Key Measures

To mitigate climate change, hospitals and healthcare facilities can adopt the following measures:

– Improve facility design to enhance energy efficiency.

– Implement sustainable waste management practices.

– Conserve resources** like water and energy.

Purchase eco-friendly products to reduce environmental impact.

Interventions are required at multiple levels—national, state, facility, and community—to address the negative impacts of climate change effectively.

National-Level Interventions

India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008) and the National Programme for Climate Change & Human Health (2019) aim to strengthen the healthcare sector’s response to climate change. These initiatives focus on addressing air pollution, heat-related illnesses, and building climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure.

UT-Level Interventions: Ladakh’s Pioneering Efforts

The State Climate Change Centre of Ladakh UT, established in 2024, serves as a multi-stakeholder platform to coordinate climate missions across departments. Key functions include:

– Assessing weather variability and projections using robust MIS data.

– Updating local climate knowledge and developing predictive models.

– Building human capacity and generating resources for climate resilience.

– Facilitating engagement with national and international agencies.

– Implementing a five-year project with a financial budget of Rs 8.386 Crores.

This center plays a pivotal role in reducing vulnerability, preserving ecosystems, and enhancing resilience in the region.

Facility-Level Response: The Kayakalp Award Scheme

Launched in 2015, the Kayakalp Award Scheme promotes cleanliness, infection control, and eco-friendly practices in healthcare facilities. In 2017, the scheme expanded to include Beyond Hospital Boundaries, incorporating eco-friendly initiatives such as:

– Energy efficiency and air pollution control.

– Waste reduction and sustainable resource management.

– Promotion of overall health and environmental well-being.

In 2021, two new eco-friendly categories were introduced:

Best Eco-friendly District Hospital

Best Eco-friendly CHC/SDH

Ladakh’s Kayakalp Journey

Ladakh began its Kayakalp journey in FY 2022-23, with **SNM Leh** and **CHC Khaltse** recognized as eco-friendly facilities. The initiative continues into 2024-25, focusing on:

Air pollution and noise control

Sustainable waste management

Given Ladakh’s challenging terrain, harsh weather, and logistical constraints, the Kayakalp scheme is particularly significant. It addresses critical issues such as:

Sanitation and Cleanliness: Ensuring high standards of hygiene within and around healthcare facilities.

Medical Waste Disposal: Implementing effective waste management systems in resource-scarce regions.

Eco-Friendly Measures: Encouraging the use of solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and carbon emission reduction.

Staff Education and Participation: Training healthcare staff on cleanliness, sustainability, and their role in environmental protection.

Conclusion

The health sector plays a pivotal role in combating climate change, and facilities in Ladakh are leading by example. Through initiatives like the Kayakalp Award Scheme and the State Climate Change Centre, Ladakh is adopting sustainable practices to protect both public health and the environment. These efforts demonstrate that even in the most challenging conditions, innovative solutions can pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.