Why Look Towards Sustainable Practices Within Reproductive Healthcare?
The evidence is still preliminary due to human reproduction’s multifactorial nature. However, an increasing number of systematic reviews and studies are starting to find relations between adverse obstetric and reproductive outcomes as well as climate change.
To name a few, increased ambient temperature and air pollution have been suggested to increase low birth weight, stillbirth and risk of preterm birth. Higher ambient temperatures have also been related to the increased prevalence of diseases that are vector-borne in nature. With reproduction in mind, Malaria and Zika would be of concern for their severe complications with the development of foetus. Therefore, associations of fertility treatments in Kolkata need to take this into consideration.
Due to the endocrine-disrupting chemical properties of plastics, their abundance of use can negatively impact reproductive health. Reports published in ERP (Environmental Research and Public Health) and Environment International have successfully detected microplastics in the testis, placenta, human tissues and umbilical cord. In addition to that, they have also detected exposure of microplastics in ovarian fibrosis and oocyte as well as semen quality.
Following these reports, it will be ethically irresponsible to continue normally without any progression towards sustainability in the way institutions of fertility treatments in Kolkata work. Arguably, without proper change, we will no longer be fully upholding the oath to ‘do no harm’.
Where does the Carbon Footprint of Healthcare come from?
Do you know that according to a 2019 study, 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare are derived from the supply chain?
The above statistics portray the fact that it is not always about how we dispose of pharmaceuticals, consumables and equipment in the clinical environment but also all the supply chain processes before that. So, institutions of fertility treatments in Kolkata need to take note of this.
In countries like New Zealand and Australia boxes of Styrofoam to transport media at refrigerated temperatures are replaced by sheep wool which is a recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable insulation alternative. This instance shows sustainable options for packaging that are available in the market. Institutions of fertility treatments in Kolkata need to use their purchasing power as professionals in reproductive healthcare to encourage more of these changes from the suppliers.
The carbon footprint of the reproductive healthcare industry such as IVF facilities can also be reduced by the usage of recycled paper in place of virgin paper, which is approximately 50% less energy-consuming to produce. Facilities can also promote digitisation for both patient communication and in-house to avoid the requirement of printing paper in the first place.
Ensuring Sustainability Now and In the Future!
Our national or international governing bodies and societies need to step up and enforce a much stronger response to the environmental impact of reproductive healthcare. In the year 2022, under UK’s Health and Care Act placed new responsibilities on the National Healthcare System in England to consider climate change while being the first country in the world to address the response of the healthcare to climate change in its national legislation.
India, as one of the leading countries when it comes to healthcare facilities should take inspiration from these legislations to enforce a stronger regulation for reproductive healthcare in India too. Ultimately, the action of the individual is necessary to work towards a more sustainable, greener reproductive healthcare. However, a systematic change from all stakeholders is necessary which will be able to make an immense impact in the reduction of the environmental impact of reproductive healthcare.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it can be concluded that there is a huge scope for reducing environmental impact for facilities of fertility treatments in Kolkata. We have discussed why should we look forward towards sustainable practices in the reproductive healthcare sector. In addition to that, we have also discussed where the healthcare’s carbon footprint comes from. Finally, we discussed how to ensure sustainability in reproductive healthcare now and in the future. Book a call with Dr. Biplab Deb today for all your reproductive health needs.
