Factors Inhibiting Implementation of Green Healthcare Initiatives in India’s Healthcare Sector

Abstract

Purpose: The current ecological challenges and energy crises require adopting GH practices for sustainable development. Green Healthcare Initiatives (GHI) consistently emphasizes enhancing healthier indoor environments for its stakeholders by advocating for environmentally friendly cleaning agents, improving indoor air quality, and minimizing exposure to hazardous substances. This study aims to analyze and prioritize the factors inhibiting the implementation of GHI in the healthcare sectors of India. Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed-methods approach is employed in the research, where a qualitative approach explores the in-depth knowledge and perceptions of healthcare workers and stakeholders, and a quantitative approach is used to measure the extent to which the awareness about green healthcare practices and factors like adoption rates, resource availability, and healthcare outcomes. The study employed thematic analysis for the qualitative data and fuzzy-AHP methodology for the quantitative data analysis. Findings: The research discovered various factors, viz., high initial costs, regulatory and policy gaps, complex supply chains, etc., are responsible for resistance to change or adoption of GHI among healthcare professionals. In light of the present circumstances, characterized by the dangers of viruses and climate change to individuals and the environment, the healthcare sector must allocate greater resources towards environmental protection initiatives. The sustainability of our environment is essential for our survival on Earth. Originality: The study is the first initiative to identify factors inhibiting the implementation of GHI and indicates that GHI adoption among healthcare personnel is a must for sustainability. Limitations/Implications: The study is limited to the operational and environmental perspective of the GHI approach to sustainability; future research may be conducted based on social and other perspectives. Practical Implications: The research indicates that GHI is a unique way to achieve sustainability. This research holds considerable importance for healthcare stakeholders by offering a thorough understanding of the green healthcare concept and the function of GHI within the healthcare environment. Moreover, this will provide readers and scholars with a foundation for additional research on GHI. Social Implications: The stakeholders of healthcare sectors, such as patients, regulatory bodies, and policymakers, have a unique idea of sustainability through this GHI, which is helpful to healthcare professionals and stakeholders to a great extent.