Abstract: The global healthcare sector accounts for approximately 4.4–8.5% of national greenhouse gas emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change. Yet, the sector’s internal commitment to environmental sustainability remains inconsistent and under-researched, particularly in terms of frontline workforce awareness and institutional infrastructure. This cross-sectional survey study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and institutional readiness of healthcare professionals (n=312) across multiple healthcare settings regarding sustainable healthcare practices, including green energy adoption, waste reduction, sustainable procurement, and carbon footprint management. Data were collected using a validated 28-item structured questionnaire administered online between January and March 2024. Results revealed that 67.3% of respondents acknowledged the environmental impact of healthcare delivery, yet only 38.5% reported that their institution had a formal sustainability policy in place. A significant positive correlation (r=0.61, p<0.001) was found between professional education level and sustainability awareness scores. Key barriers identified included lack of training (74.4%), absence of institutional frameworks (61.2%), and cost concerns (57.1%). The study underscores an urgent need for embedding environmental sustainability curricula in health professional education and operationalizing institutional sustainability frameworks in hospitals globally.
Keywords: Sustainable healthcare, green hospitals, carbon footprint, healthcare waste management, environmental sustainability, health professional awareness, green practices.
Title: Greening the Healing: Assessing Healthcare Professionals’ Awareness, Attitudes, and Institutional Readiness toward Sustainable Healthcare Practices: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Author: Dr. Aashish Raj Kakuri
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 173-179
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 03-June-2026
