The Future of Transforming Healthcare Systems Into Circular Economy Models: Comment on "A Review of the Applicability of Current Green Practices in Healthcare Facilities"

TL;DR

This commentary discusses how healthcare systems can adopt circular economy models to reduce environmental impact, with a focus on equity and global inclusion.

Contribution

The paper emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and equitable global approach to circular healthcare, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Findings

Low- and middle-income countries face barriers like weak policies and lack of recycling infrastructure for circular healthcare.

Strong government leadership and multi-sector collaboration are essential for implementing circular economy models in healthcare.

Organizations like HCWH can support circular healthcare through advocacy and technical expertise.

Abstract

The healthcare sector is both a guardian of health and a significant contributor to global carbon emissions and environmental degradation. In their scoping review, Soares et al explore the applicability of circular economy (CE) principles within healthcare facilities, identifying eight areas for intervention. While their work provides a valuable synthesis, this commentary highlights future points of interest such as vulnerable populations, a call to broaden governance frameworks, and to move from an overly Eurocentric to a more global scope. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face major barriers to implementing CE models in healthcare, including weak policy frameworks, a lack of holistic recycling chains, awareness and training, as well as limited incentives. Stronger government leadership is needed to develop CE policies, foster multi-sector collaboration among private investors, governments, academia, non-governmental organisations, and international partners. Drawing on public health and child health perspectives, and informed by work in net-zero hospital initiatives, this commentary argues for a more transformative, equitable, and globally inclusive vision of circular healthcare. Organisations like Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) can support implementation through technical expertise, advocacy, and capacity-building.