Green@UMHealth: A step toward sustainable healthcare innovation

Universiti Malaya (UM) has set a transformative benchmark with the launch of Green@UMHealth, Malaysia’s first academic health centre dedicated to embedding sustainability into healthcare. This pioneering initiative, unveiled at the TJ Danaraj Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, underscores UM’s commitment to harmonizing medical innovation with eco-conscious practices.

With the theme “Leading the Way to Greener Healthcare,” the event gathered distinguished guests, healthcare professionals, academics, and policymakers, sparking dialogue on the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the healthcare sector.

UM’s Pro-Chancellor, Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Hajjah Dr. Aishah Ong, officiated the launch with a resonating call to action. “Let this initiative be a reminder that every action counts,” she said. “By making small, conscious decisions today, we can pave the way for a healthier planet and a brighter future for generations to come.” Her speech set the tone for a groundbreaking program aimed at driving change across healthcare systems.

Bridging Medicine and Environmental Stewardship

Green@UMHealth is spearheaded by UM’s Faculty of Medicine, demonstrating a seamless integration of medical expertise and environmental responsibility. Professor Dr. Zamri Radzi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs), emphasized the dual role of healthcare professionals, as well as stewards of sustainable practices within hospitals, clinics, and communities.

The initiative’s projects include optimizing surgical tray usage and reducing plastic packaging in inpatient pharmacies, led by Professor Shireen Anne Nah Han Yien, the newly appointed Head of Green@UMHealth. These efforts embody the program’s ethos that every stakeholder in healthcare has a role in promoting sustainability.

Dr. Zamri highlighted the broader significance of Green@UMHealth, noting that it aligns with UM’s mission to innovate and address societal challenges. By fostering collaboration among academics, practitioners, and policymakers, the program aspires to influence healthcare systems nationwide to embrace eco-friendly practices.

Inspiring Action Through Leadership and Innovation

A keynote address by Associate Professor Dr. Zeeda Fatimah Mohamed, Director of the UM Sustainability and Development Centre (UMSDC), shed light on UM’s longstanding history of grassroots sustainability efforts. She emphasized that UM’s approach has consistently been community-driven, showcasing initiatives that have not only delivered tangible environmental benefits but also fostered ecological awareness among students and staff.

A panel discussion moderated by Professor Dato’ Dr. Yang Faridah Abdul Aziz explored the challenges of embedding sustainability in healthcare. Insights shared by experts illuminated the path toward fostering an enduring culture of environmental responsibility. The forum also showcased UM’s leadership in developing solutions that balance environmental impact with clinical excellence.

The launch of Green@UMHealth marks a bold and tangible step toward integrating environmental principles into healthcare practices. This initiative underscores UM’s dedication to addressing pressing societal challenges while setting an example for institutions nationwide.

As the event concluded, attendees united in their support for Green@UMHealth’s mission. The initiative aspires to inspire similar efforts across academic and healthcare institutions, emphasizing that the health of the planet and human well-being are intrinsically linked.