Green healthcare: initiatives and adaptations for sustainable future

‘Health’ and ‘environment’ are inexorably linked with each other. Healthcare sectors and associated medical management systems generate millions of tons of waste materials (solid, liquid, or gas) resulting in pollution, increased carbon footprint, and adverse health effects. Therefore, it is imperative to adopt environment-friendly approaches, i.e., utilization of renewable energy sources, biodegradable healthcare accessories, and eco-friendly waste management. Health sectors practicing green healthcare not only emphasize the well-being of patients and workers but aim to reduce environmental vulnerability. This comprehensive review introduces green health care to the readers and describes how the healthcare sector indiscriminately uses natural resources and often complicates the carbon footprint burden by overlooking environmental solutions. This article also indicates major barriers to adopting green alternatives and finally suggests possible solutions with suitable case studies, that integrate environmental sustainability and healthcare services.