The National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) has unveiled the establishment of the Centre for Sustainable Medicine. Positioned as the world's most extensive institution in this domain and the inaugural one in Asia, the center's objective is to spearhead the healthcare industry's initiatives in addressing climate change. Its focus includes minimizing carbon dioxide emissions from healthcare systems and promoting climate-resilient health practices to expedite the transition towards achieving net zero emissions.
Under the leadership of Professor Nick Watts, designated as the world's first Professor of Sustainable Medicine, the Centre for Sustainable Medicine endeavors to innovate medical teaching, pioneer research in eco-friendly care, and aid global health policymakers in transitioning towards achieving carbon neutrality in healthcare. Professor Watts, previously serving as the Chief Sustainability Officer of the National Health Service (NHS), brings extensive expertise in effecting substantial reductions in carbon emissions within a vast healthcare system.
Recognizing the substantial carbon footprint of the healthcare industry, the Centre for Sustainable Medicine addresses concerns highlighted in a research survey commissioned by the center. An impressive 82% of healthcare professionals in Singapore advocate for actions towards establishing a more sustainable healthcare system. Representing NUS and Singapore, the center assumes a significant role in the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28), concentrating on the health implications associated with climate change and contributing to worldwide consensus-building concerning transformative actions for healthcare systems.
The Center delineates three initial initiatives aimed at supporting Singapore's commitment to emission reduction and establishing itself as a frontrunner in sustainable medicine. These initiatives encompass a Clinical Fellowship in Sustainable Medicine to revolutionize medical education, a comprehensive evaluation of the carbon impact within Singapore's healthcare sector, and hosting the inaugural gathering of the Lancet Commission on Sustainable Healthcare in 2024. These endeavors are geared towards integrating sustainability principles into medical education, charting a course for Singapore's healthcare system, and contributing to global strategies for sustainable healthcare.
