Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute in Mumbai has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian hospital and only the fifth worldwide to receive the Certificate of Distinction for its Healthcare Sustainability Program from Joint Commission International (JCI) in partnership with the International Hospital Federation’s Geneva Sustainability Centre. This certification recognizes the hospital’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability in its operations.
The healthcare industry is one of the top five industries in terms of carbon emissions, and this certification comes at a critical time when global healthcare systems are working to reduce operational risk and strengthen resilience against climate-related disruptions. The hospital’s CEO, Dr. Santosh Shetty, emphasized that sustainability is essential for achieving better clinical outcomes and stronger operating performance. The hospital has developed a 2030 Sustainability Roadmap that focuses on energy efficiency, water stewardship, low-emission materials, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The JCI-GSC program recognizes hospitals that integrate environmental risk governance at the board level and incorporate emissions, waste, water efficiency, and supply-chain sustainability into enterprise risk management. This certification is a significant achievement for Kokilaben Hospital, as it demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainability in its operations.
India, as a rapidly developing economy, faces significant climate vulnerabilities that strain public health and hospital systems. Many Indian hospitals are still in the early stages of embedding environmental governance at a leadership level, but Kokilaben Hospital’s alignment with global ESG frameworks marks a decisive step forward. The hospital’s achievement serves as a model for other healthcare institutions in India and around the world, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing sustainability in healthcare operations. By reducing its environmental impact, Kokilaben Hospital is not only contributing to a more sustainable future but also improving patient safety, reducing long-term cost pressures, and strengthening business continuity.