Hyderabad: A recent study by AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, published in the journal Gut, has shed light on the environmental impact of gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) procedures. The study analyzed over 3,800 procedures and found that each generates 38.45 kg of CO₂ emissions—equivalent to driving 150 km.
The research, titled Carbon Footprinting and Environmental Impact of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures at a Tertiary Care Institution, identifies key areas for sustainable healthcare practices. Notably, patient travel contributes to 83.09% of the total emissions, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare accessibility and sustainable transportation.
On a positive note, India’s hospital waste management practices, including a 25.7% recycling rate, help reduce carbon emissions. The study also found that waste generation per procedure in India (0.504 kg) is significantly lower than in Western countries (2–3 kg).
Experts, including Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy and Dr. Hardik Rughwani, stress the importance of optimizing resources, promoting recycling, and exploring non-invasive diagnostics. The study calls for dedicated ‘sustainability’ departments in hospitals to implement eco-friendly healthcare solutions.
With India’s growing healthcare demands, this research underscores the need for green medical practices to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining high-quality patient care.
