Philips: APAC Is Leading on Sustainable, Circular Healthcare

The healthcare sector is facing pressure to balance innovation with sustainability. The APAC region (comprised of Asian and Pacific nations) is taking on this challenge and is beginning to set the global standard in creating greener healthcare systems.

According to Philips’ latest Future Health Index (FHI) 2024 report, APAC is leading the charge in adopting circular and sustainable practices, significantly outpacing global averages in key metrics like emissions reduction and waste management.

But what’s driving this transformation? From leveraging renewable energy to reimagining procurement strategies, APAC healthcare leaders are proving that environmental stewardship isn’t just a necessity—it’s an opportunity to redefine patient care.

Philips’ findings reveal a powerful shift in priorities, showcasing how the region’s bold commitment to innovation is reshaping the future of healthcare, one sustainable step at a time.

An environmental focus in healthcare

For the ninth iteration of the report, Philips surveyed close to 3,000 healthcare leaders from 14 nations, including Australia, Indonesia and Singapore, with results showing that the region is performing very well right now.

An overwhelming majority - 99% to be exact - of healthcare leaders in APAC are prioritising the reduction of environmental impacts and CO2 emissions within the healthcare sector, a figure that massively overshadows the global average of 86%.

Currently, 46% of these leaders have established strategies aimed at achieving carbon-neutral certification, with another 40% planning similar initiatives in the next three years. Furthermore, 45% are actively setting decarbonisation targets and tracking emissions, again surpassing the global average of 31%.

Existing sustainability strategies among these leaders include leveraging renewable energy, which accounts for 53%, and extensive recycling practices, reported by half of the respondents.

Other significant measures include: sustainable procurement including the use of circular equipment (49%); prioritising reusable over single-use medical supplies (48%); and adopting virtual care technologies/remote monitoring to curb emissions (47%).

"Addressing the impact of the healthcare sector on the planet is no longer a matter of if; it is a matter of how," says Mark Burby, Vice President of Health Systems at Philips APAC.

"We are observing healthcare leaders across the region embracing new strategies to balance workforce, financial and environmental priorities to ensure healthcare systems remain sustainable in the long term."

The report additionally spotlights how healthcare leaders in the region prioritise sustainable procurement and virtual care technologies. For instance, alongside the 49% already practising sustainable procurement, another 43% plan to adopt such measures in the three years to come.

The focus also remains strong on reusable medical supplies with 48% already taking action and 41% planning future implementation. Moreover, 46% seek suppliers who meet sustainable targets and 41% plan to do so shortly.

Operational improvements are also crucial, with 42% of leaders keen on reducing energy consumption and another 41% planning to use virtual care and remote monitoring technologies to reduce emissions in the next three years.

Additional sustainable actions include the elimination of hazardous substances and broader adoption of reusable medical supplies.

Do consumers expect sustainability?

APAC consumers are increasingly aware of the link between healthcare practices and environmental impact. Philips' 2024 Sustainable Healthcare survey shows that 87% of APAC consumers recognise this connection.

While 69% of these consumers view sustainable health practices as a critical or urgent priority, only about 15% observe their widespread implementation in their home countries.

Philips' role in the healthcare sector's pursuit of sustainability

Philips champions collaboration within ecosystems as essential for sustainable healthcare advancements. The company ensures that all its new solutions are crafted with sustainability at their core, which promises significant benefits to patient care and environmental health.

Significantly, Philips' magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) portfolio exemplifies their commitment; it features technology that minimises helium use, promoting clinical excellence alongside ecological responsibility.

Moreover, Philips' multi-vendor, multi-modality, multi-site virtual imaging support solution exemplifies how the company is reducing the need for travel between sites, thereby cutting down on emissions and enhancing efficiency.

To support cardiovascular care, Philips has developed a virtual workspace accessible at any time, facilitating seamless connections between patients, care teams, and data. This integration not only accelerates clinical decisions but also optimises resource utilisation, illustrating Philips' dedication to innovation in sustainable healthcare.

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