A Call to Action: Dr. Nagar Urges Healthcare to Lead in Environmental Responsibility
“Healthcare, while saving lives, is also contributing to one of the greatest challenges of our time—environmental degradation. It’s time we take responsibility and make sustainability central to everything we do,” said Dr. Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director of Paras Health, as he accepted the Global Health Leader Award at the 10th Integrated Health & Wellbeing (IHW) Summit in Dubai. The prestigious award, presented by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Former Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, and Amruta Fadnavis, banker, singer, and social activist, honored Dr. Nagar’s pioneering efforts in integrating sustainability into healthcare practices and expanding accessible healthcare across India, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Speaking at the Summit's 'Sustainability Hour,' Dr. Nagar highlighted the healthcare sector's growing environmental footprint, urging the industry to take responsibility for its waste, particularly single-use plastics. "We are not only working to make quality healthcare accessible in underserved regions, but we are committed to making it sustainable," said Dr. Nagar. Paras Health has introduced eco-friendly practices such as paperless electronic medical records at its hospitals and LEED Gold certification for its 450-bed facility in Kanpur. "Healthcare must reduce its carbon footprint. At Paras Health, we are committed to sustainable practices, from waste management to energy efficiency," said Dr. Nagar.
Dr. Nagar highlighted the unique challenges faced by healthcare providers in smaller cities. "In many tier 2 and tier 3 cities, even basic waste disposal systems are lacking. At Paras Health, we ensure that sustainable practices are integrated into every new hospital we build. Whether it's minimizing medical waste, reducing single-use plastics, or implementing energy-efficient solutions, we are committed to setting a new standard for eco-friendly healthcare."
Paras Health, with a presence in six states across India, including hospitals in Patna, Panchkula, Ranchi, Udaipur, Kanpur, Srinagar, and Darbhanga, is bridging the healthcare gap in smaller cities while leading the charge in sustainable healthcare. The hospital network has been instrumental in bringing advanced medical services to underserved regions, providing specialties like Cardiac Sciences, Neurosciences, Orthopedics, and Oncology.
Among the notable awardees were Jack Sim, Founder of the World Toilet Organization; Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt Ltd.
Dr. Nagar’s recognition at the Summit underscores Paras Health’s leadership in sustainable healthcare, setting an example for institutions globally by minimizing environmental impact while expanding healthcare access in underserved regions.