The global attention on plastic pollution largely centers around plastics used in consumer products, such as packaging and single-use wrappers. However, the contribution of the healthcare sector, a pillar of life-saving services, cannot be understated in this crisis. Asia’s health sector relies heavily on single-use plastics, which are used in disposable syringes, IV bags, personal protective equipment, and packaging materials. The irony is striking: the very materials designed to protect human health are now posing significant threats to it.
This problem became more glaring during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating the struggle of hospitals to manage their plastic waste, even years after the pandemic. From medical face masks and test kits to takeout containers – the COVID-19 pandemic multiplied plastic consumption, as people looked to the convenient and sanitary nature of single-use plastic (SUP) products, influenced by the industry-propagated myth of these plastics being safe and hygienic.
The plastic crisis directly and indirectly threatens human health. Direct exposure to plastic products such as chemicals and microplastics have adverse effects, while the production and disposal of plastics contribute to air pollution and climate change. Low-income and marginalized communities near manufacturing facilities suffer from pollution and health impacts, and workers in affected environments may lose their livelihoods. Although there are still gaps in our understanding of the risks, research has revealed known health impacts, including inflammation, reproductive and developmental effects, cancer, obesity, diabetes, immune system suppression, and asthma.
According to a 2021 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), during the COVID-19 pandemic 1.5 billion units of personal protective equipment (PPE) were distributed worldwide, weighing approximately 87,000 tonnes – equivalent to the weight of 261,747 jumbo jet airplanes. Notably, non-essential PPE made up nearly half of the total volume shipped, accounting for 44 percent. These numbers shed light on the massive scale of PPE distribution and underscore the potential for reducing non-essential PPE use in the health sector.
In 2018, Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia (HCWH SEA) conducted waste audits across multiple hospitals in the Philippines and Indonesia. The findings revealed that, on average, over 50 percent of the waste produced by each hospital consisted of plastic alone.
These figures are not just numbers – they represent a growing threat to both human health and the environment. Incineration of plastic waste releases harmful toxins into the air, contributing to respiratory issues and other health problems. Additionally, when plastic waste is improperly disposed of, it emits harmful chemicals into the soil and water, further endangering public health.
HCWH SEA’s Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) Network is a testament to the power of collective action. The network includes over 2,000 members worldwide where hospitals and health systems are pioneering innovative approaches to sustainability. GGHH members in Asia are leading by example, demonstrating that it is possible to provide high-quality healthcare while minimizing environmental impact.
Mary Johnston Hospital, an active GGHH member in the Philippines, implemented a comprehensive PPE management strategy during COVID-19 to address the shortage of these materials and the increasing amount of waste generated by their use. These actions resulted in savings of almost $220,000, and in the reduction of hazardous waste by over 10 tons.
In Thailand, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital has been leading the way in integrating plastic reduction and global chemical frameworks into their strategies. They have notably adopted alternatives like metal and glass containers to replace single-use plastics and have developed policies prioritizing the purchase of eco-friendly, non-toxic products. The hospital also actively collaborates with suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging and establish take-back programs.
These best practices from healthcare facilities in the region demonstrate that the industry can be part of the solution to plastic pollution rather than contributing to the problem.
Earlier this year during the International Negotiating Committee (INC-4) of the Global Plastics Treaty (GPT) in Ottawa, Canada, HCWH’s Open Letter gained more than 900 signatories from healthcare practitioners, organizations, and institutions worldwide, representing over 6 million healthcare professionals. The letter urged delegates to commit to a just and equitable treaty that respects human rights, where the health sector is not exempted in its scope and framework.
During the INC-4, the WHO clearly stated that no blanket exemption should be allowed for medical and health uses, public health responses, or research activities. This represents a significant appeal for the health sector, which comprises 10 percent of the global economy, to take proactive measures to combat plastic pollution. Despite being a contributor to the problem, the health sector is well positioned to actively contribute to resolving the plastic pollution crisis.
The Global Plastics Treaty represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish a global legally binding framework for reducing plastic pollution, and it is imperative that the healthcare sector be at the forefront of these negotiations.
Healthcare should not just be a stakeholder in the treaty – it should be a leader. The health impacts of plastic pollution are clear, and the sector has a moral obligation to advocate for policies that prioritize human health. The health sector can play a key role in advocating for the Global Plastics Treaty, which must establish legally binding targets and deadlines for reducing and detoxifying healthcare plastics. This initiative will encourage manufacturers to eliminate older, poorly designed products and focus on developing new ones where necessary.
The healthcare sector in Asia is at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of plastic dependency, with all the associated risks to human health and the environment, or we can choose a different path – one that embraces sustainability, innovation, and the core principle of medicine: first, do no harm. This oath extends beyond individual patients to the broader communities and the health of our planet.
As we approach INC-5, the healthcare sector has an ethical duty to act. We are already leading by example, showing that it’s possible to reduce and detoxify plastic use in every department of each healthcare facility. The upcoming Global Plastics Treaty presents a critical opportunity to address this crisis. The health sector must be included with special considerations but without blanket exemptions. We can only achieve an ambitious treaty if we pursue the highest attainable standards of human and environmental health as the core of this treaty