M.P. Shah Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Toseef Din, warmly welcomed the March 2024 cohort of students to the M.P. Shah Hospital School of Health Sciences during an inspiring mentorship session held at the school facility in Nairobi. The event marked the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students, who are set to become the next generation of healthcare professionals in Kenya and beyond.
In her address, Dr. Toseef congratulated the students for choosing a noble career path in healthcare, emphasizing the critical role they will play in shaping a healthier and more sustainable future. “You are not just joining a profession; you are embarking on a mission to save lives, transform communities, and contribute to a sustainable world. At M.P. Shah Hospital, we are committed to nurturing your talents and equipping you with the knowledge and values to make a lasting impact,” Dr. Toseef stated.
Dr. Toseef delivered a compelling talk on Sustainability in Healthcare, focusing on the urgent need to address climate change and its far-reaching effects on the environment and human health. She highlighted the devastating consequences of air pollution, and discussed the current state of climate challenges in Africa, where extreme weather events and environmental degradation are increasingly straining healthcare systems. She underscored how hospital and industrial activities, if not managed responsibly, contribute significantly to climate change through carbon emissions, waste generation, and resource depletion. “As healthcare providers, we have a dual responsibility: to heal our patients and to protect the planet that sustains us. The healthcare sector must lead by example in reducing its environmental footprint,” she urged.
Outlining practical steps to accelerate sustainability in healthcare, Dr. Toseef shared M.P. Shah Hospital’s efforts under its Green365 Strategy. She highlighted the hospital’s innovative approaches to e-waste and old linen management, which have set a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the healthcare sector. “We have established collection points for e-waste and used textiles across our facilities, and we actively sensitize our staff to embrace sustainable practices. To date, we have collected over 400 kg of e-waste in partnership with organizations like the WEEE Centre and Africa Collect Textiles, ensuring proper disposal and recycling to prevent environmental hazards,” she noted.
She also emphasized the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. She cited M.P. Shah Hospital’s partnerships with the United Nations Global Compact, the Geneva Sustainability Centre, and local organizations like the Kenya Green Building Society as critical to advancing sustainable healthcare models.
The students were inspired by Dr. Din’s call to action, expressing enthusiasm for integrating sustainability into their personal and professional lives. She encouraged them to adopt small but impactful habits, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and advocating for green practices in their communities.
“Each of you has the power to make a difference. Start where you are, with the resources you have, and together, we can create a healthier planet. If not now, when?” Dr. Toseef Din.
