With 24 per cent of diseases being caused due to environmental pollution, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said the Government will initiate steps to turn all AIIMS across the country into “green hospitals” by adopting environment-friendly methods for disposal and recycling of medical waste.
He underlined the need for proper sanitation, hygiene, disposal and recycling of medical waste within hospitals.
“Health should be made a strong social movement. We need to develop strong positive attitude towards health issues in everybody. Almost 80 per cent of diseases and health issues can be addressed by adopting preventive measures which can be done by being aware of their causal factors,” he said at a symposium on ‘Impact of Environment on Health’ on the occasion of the World Environment Day here.Highlighting the need for establishing more institutes for public health in the country, he said, it is imperative to make public health a social movement and that there is a need to focus on the health of senior citizens.
He informed that a week-long drive for enhanced sanitation at hospitals across the national capital will also be started by his Ministry. “Healthcare institutions should strive to reduce their energy consumption and maximise use of solar energy and other similar natural resources,” he said.
Stating that many buildings are being awarded for their efforts for energy conservation but hospitals are never seen in the list, Vardhan asked, “Why should not hospitals try to get such awards sending out positive signals and becoming the brand ambassadors for environmental protection and preservation adding to the improved health of communityIJ”
Vardhan also highlighted the need for setting up more environmental and occupational clinics in different hospitals in the country.