M.P. Shah Hospital is proving that quality healthcare and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Through its Green 365 Programme, the hospital has become the first hospital in Africa and the third globally to receive the Joint Commission International (JCI) Healthcare Sustainability Accreditation, recognising excellence in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance.
Known internally as “Go Green,” Green 365 reflects the hospital’s belief that sustainability is not a one-time project but a daily commitment. The achievement is the result of years of collaboration among staff, leadership, patients, and partners working together to reduce healthcare’s environmental footprint while improving community health.
Healthcare remains one of the most resource-intensive sectors, relying heavily on single-use plastics, energy-demanding equipment, and complex waste management systems. In developing countries, these challenges are compounded by ageing equipment, limited recycling options, and increasing pressure on water and energy resources. Recognising these realities, M.P. Shah Hospital chose to become part of the solution.
The hospital has implemented a range of initiatives to improve resource efficiency and promote responsible behaviour. These include regular audits of water, energy, and waste management systems; smart metering technologies; solar energy adoption; sensor-operated taps and lighting; and the replacement of conventional lighting with energy-efficient LEDs.
The sustainability journey extends beyond infrastructure. Staff are encouraged to embrace environmentally responsible practices in their daily work, and sustainability considerations are increasingly embedded in recruitment and staff engagement programmes. Hospital leaders note that the greatest challenge is not technology or knowledge, but sustaining positive behaviour change across the organisation.
Board support has been instrumental in driving progress. Investments in sustainable infrastructure include energy-efficient kitchen systems, water-saving laundry technologies, and innovative operating theatre systems that optimise resource use while maintaining high standards of patient care.
The hospital’s vision also embraces social impact. Through wellness campaigns, preventive health programmes, and the establishment of the Spring Valley Medical Centre, M.P. Shah Hospital promotes healthier lifestyles and community wellbeing. Initiatives such as Healing Little Hearts continue to provide life-changing care to children living with congenital heart disease and hearing loss.
The Green 365 journey began in 2018 with a symbolic tree-planting exercise led by the CEO, Board leadership, and staff. Over time, that single act evolved into a strategic priority supported by a dedicated Board committee and the hospital’s Go Green Steering Committee.
Today, the results are measurable. Compared with the same period last year, the hospital has achieved a 53% reduction in energy consumption and an 11% reduction in water consumption, demonstrating the power of vision, leadership, and collective action.
M.P. Shah Hospital’s message is simple: sustainability is not an option for healthcare, it is a responsibility. Every hospital, healthcare worker, supplier, and patient can contribute through small, consistent actions. Together, we can build a healthcare system that not only treats illness but also protects the health of future generations.
The future of healthcare is sustainable. The time to act is now.
By Dr. Joan Osoro-Mbui, Chief Sustainability & Operations Officer, M.P. Shah Hospital
