Royal Philips , a global leader in health technology, has released the second set of findings from the Asia Pacific (APAC) Future Health Index (FHI) 2024 report, Better Care for More People. The ninth edition of the report, surveying nearly 3,000 healthcare leaders across 14 countries including Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore, highlights APAC’s leadership and commitment to driving sustainable healthcare initiatives. The findings underscore an urgent call to action for the healthcare sector to mitigate its environmental footprint while improving access to care.

Healthcare Sustainability: A Regional Imperative

The report reveals a staggering 99% of APAC healthcare leaders consider reducing the environmental impact and CO2 emissions of the healthcare industry as top priorities for their organizations—far surpassing the global average of 86%[1].

The data also shows that APAC is ahead in implementing actionable strategies:

• 46% of healthcare organizations have already adopted measures to achieve carbon-neutral certification.
• An additional 40% are planning to implement carbon-neutral strategies within the next three years[1].
• A significant 45% are actively setting decarbonization targets and tracking emissions, exceeding the global benchmark of 31%[1].

This focus reflects a growing acknowledgment among healthcare leaders that environmental sustainability is integral to the long-term viability of healthcare systems and directly impacts global health outcomes.

Sustainability Strategies Gaining Momentum

Healthcare organizations in APAC are pioneering a range of innovative strategies to integrate sustainability into their operations. Key measures include:

• Renewable Energy: 53% are actively using renewable sources to power their operations.
• Recycling Initiatives: 50% are recycling waste materials wherever possible.
• Sustainable Procurement: Nearly half (49%) are prioritizing sustainable procurement, including the adoption of circular equipment and reusable medical supplies.
• Minimizing Single-Use Plastics: 48% have initiated programs to reduce the reliance on disposable medical supplies.
• Virtual Care Technologies: 47% are leveraging remote monitoring and telehealth solutions to decrease carbon emissions.

These strategies are not only reducing environmental impact but also driving cost efficiencies and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible, resilient, and scalable in the face of growing demand.

Mark Burby Highlights the Importance of Collaboration

Mark Burby, Vice President, Health Systems, Philips APAC, emphasized the transformative potential of collective action:
"Addressing the healthcare sector's impact on the planet is no longer a matter of if; it is a matter of how. Healthcare leaders across the APAC region are embracing strategies that balance workforce, financial, and environmental priorities. Collaboration across the ecosystem will be critical to ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems in the long term. Philips is committed to supporting this transition by helping organizations streamline workflows, advance clinical insights, and reduce their environmental footprint, ultimately enabling better care for more people."

Consumers Demand Sustainable Action from Healthcare Providers

Consumers across APAC are also advocating for environmentally sustainable practices in healthcare. According to Philips’ 2024 Sustainable Healthcare Survey:

• 87% of APAC consumers recognize the connection between climate impact and their health.
• 69% view sustainable healthcare practices as a top or urgent priority, yet only 15% observe widespread implementation in their respective countries[2].

This gap between consumer expectations and current practices underscores the need for accelerated action by healthcare organizations to meet the growing demand for greener, more sustainable healthcare.

Philips Highlights Sustainable Innovation at RSNA 2024

In line with its commitment to sustainability, Philips will showcase its latest sustainable healthcare innovations at RSNA 2024, the world’s largest medical imaging conference, held this December in Chicago, Illinois. These solutions demonstrate Philips’ dedication to helping healthcare systems deliver high-quality care while minimizing environmental impact. Key innovations include:

1. Helium-Free MRI Portfolio:

   • A groundbreaking solution that reduces helium usage, enabling more flexible and eco-friendly installations.
   • Scanners are up to 1,700kg lighter, making them ideal for settings with construction limitations or elevated floors.
   • To date, Philips’ helium-free MRI portfolio has saved over 2.75 million liters of helium globally, addressing the scarcity of this critical resource. With over 1,500 units installed worldwide, this innovation ensures sustainability without compromising clinical excellence[3][4][5].

2. Virtual Imaging Support Solutions:

   • The first-of-its-kind multi-vendor, multi-site imaging support platform connects imaging experts with technologists in real-time, eliminating travel between sites.
   • This reduces emissions and enhances workflow efficiency, enabling faster clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes.

3. Cardiovascular Care Workspace:

   • A virtual, interoperable platform that securely integrates patient data, clinical applications, and care teams across the cardiovascular care continuum.
   • By streamlining data analysis and decision-making, this solution enhances patient outcomes while driving cost savings and reducing environmental impact.

Accelerating a Sustainable Future for Healthcare

The APAC region’s proactive approach to sustainable healthcare serves as a global model for balancing economic, environmental, and healthcare priorities. Philips’ efforts to introduce innovative, sustainable solutions further reinforce its role as a leader in driving impactful change.

The healthcare sector stands at a critical juncture, where adopting sustainable practices is no longer optional but essential for its survival and effectiveness. Philips’ comprehensive portfolio of environmentally conscious technologies not only addresses immediate challenges but also ensures a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

 Philips Future Health Index (FHI):
The Future Health Index is an ongoing initiative by Philips, providing insights into the evolution of healthcare systems worldwide. The ninth edition of the report, Better Care for More People, reflects Philips’ dedication to empowering healthcare leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem.

References:
[1] Philips Future Health Index (FHI) 2024.
[2] Philips 2024 Sustainable Healthcare Survey in APAC.
[3] Philips data on helium-free MRI technology.
[4] Addressing the global scarcity of helium.
[5] MRI scanners as the largest helium consumers.