Hyderabad: AIG Hospitals has made a groundbreaking contribution to sustainable healthcare with its latest study on the environmental impact of gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) procedures. Published in Gut, the world’s leading gastroenterology journal, the study provides a detailed analysis of carbon emissions and waste generation associated with these procedures, offering actionable insights for a more eco-friendly medical industry.
Led by Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, and Dr. Hardik Rughwani, the study reveals that each GIE procedure emits an average of 38.45 kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e). While this may seem small on an individual level, the cumulative global impact is immense. A single endoscopy unit performing 10,000 procedures a year would generate 384,500 kg CO₂e—offsetting this would require approximately 17,500 mature trees annually. This underscores the urgent need for sustainable healthcare practices.
One of the study’s most significant findings is that patient travel contributes a staggering 83% of total emissions. This highlights the importance of improving healthcare accessibility to reduce travel-related emissions, such as by promoting telemedicine, decentralized healthcare facilities, and sustainable transportation options.
On a positive note, the study emphasizes India’s efficient waste management practices. Hospitals in India recycle 25.7% of their medical waste, preventing 380 kg of CO₂e emissions in just two weeks. Additionally, Indian hospitals generate only 0.504 kg of waste per endoscopy procedure—far lower than Western nations, where the figure ranges from 2 to 3 kg per procedure. This efficiency is attributed to the widespread use of reusable medical instruments and better resource optimization.
To further reduce the environmental impact of endoscopy procedures, the researchers call for hospitals to establish dedicated ‘Sustainability’ departments. These teams, led by ‘Eco-Visionaries’ and ‘Green Endoscopy Revolutionaries,’ would drive the adoption of eco-friendly practices, including optimizing resource use, enhancing recycling efforts, and exploring non-invasive diagnostic alternatives such as advanced imaging and biochemical markers.
“This is a crucial step forward in understanding and addressing the environmental impact of high-volume medical procedures,” said Dr. Rughwani. “By implementing sustainable practices, we can continue to provide high-quality care while significantly reducing our carbon footprint.”
With this pioneering research, AIG Hospitals is at the forefront of sustainable healthcare, proving that medical excellence and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. The study is expected to inspire hospitals worldwide to take decisive action in minimizing their ecological impact while maintaining top-tier patient care.
