Health and Wellness Informatics News
During the HIMS22 Climate Change session, speakers discussed the participation of healthcare in climate change. There is a serious need for better solutions to reduce emissions.
A recent report from “Healthcare Without Harm”, An NGO brought forward the need for eco-friendly digital health. It states that 44% of the total greenhouse gas emission is from health care. This made the part of the discussion during the Climate Crisis: Healthcare’s Responsibility to Our Planet.
This was also brought forward by WHO. Climate change is going to be the biggest health risk of the century. It estimates that during the year 2030-2050, there will be 250,000 deaths per year. There weres many speakers in this year’s session. Suppose to name Ronald Lavater, CEO, International Hospital Federation. And we also had Nancy Jennings, Health Advisor.
One of the speakers, TimoTyrväinen, made a very clear point by stating that climate change is not due to production but mere emission. Therefore, the only thing humans can do now is to switch to clean production.
There were many discussions on the digital health paradox. It was also brought forward for discussion by Dr. Brigitte Seroussi. He stated, “We know all the benefits of digital health tools and services in terms of patient safety, care quality, and cost reduction…
But on the other side, we also know that digital health does have an environmental health impact.”
To attain a zero-carbon footprint, there are many attempts from the side of the French Ministry of Solidarity and Health. They are working on creating awareness. They tend to educate healthcare providers, IT support, and patients to opt for more eco-friendly.
France also came up with the system. It plans to promote eco-design, which will offer sustainability while using digital health. Mon Espace Santé, an app to serve as the country’s digital platform.
Mr. Seroussi urges all the citizens to engage in making the planet better. He plans to do that by developing eco-friendly digital health.
Healthcare is also struggling with the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Again, it is co-linked with climate change and requires a solution.
