The federal government has signed a public declaration to work with the United States and the United Kingdom to decarbonize healthcare supply chains.
The National Health Service in England and the US Department of Health are leading the public statement initiative. Other countries that have signed the initiative include Ireland and Norway.
Green procurement
Chris Gormley, Chief Sustainability Officer at National Health Service England, said: “The NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap sets out the changes we are introducing to help suppliers align with our net zero target and we “We welcome collaboration with colleagues in the United States, Australia and other countries.” We encourage other countries to consider their own collaboration with suppliers on this important issue.”
As part of the collaboration, Australia is engaging in discussions on green procurement and in particular on two key topics: getting suppliers to disclose their carbon emissions and setting emissions reduction targets.
The healthcare system is responsible for around 5% of Australia’s carbon emissions. Many medicines and health technologies used in Australia are imported from overseas. It is estimated that these global supply chains account for approximately 75% of the carbon footprint of the Australian healthcare sector.
Prepare for challenges
“From extreme heat to more frequent bushfires, climate change is profoundly changing our environment and our way of life. Australia needs a health system that is prepared to meet these challenges,” said Deputy Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP.
“Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires everyone to be on board; it requires international cooperation. Australia joins the UK and US in accelerating the decarbonisation of our healthcare systems and supply chains.
“Reducing carbon emissions from the production and delivery of healthcare goods and services is a very effective way to make healthcare greener.”
Australia’s participation in this collaboration follows the release of the National Health and Climate Strategy at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai in 2023.
Support from health workers
There is strong support from healthcare professionals for reducing healthcare system emissions, with the federal government working with states and territories to develop or strengthen green healthcare procurement policies, Kearney said in a statement.
The announcement contributes to two goals of the National Health and Climate Strategy, including building a sustainable, high-quality net-zero health system and international cooperation.
John Balbus, Director of the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, said: “We are pleased to be working with the Australian Government. “This type of collaboration is critical to accelerating our efforts to reduce the significant emissions associated with the global healthcare supply chain.”