In collaboration with the Geneva Sustainability Centre of the International Hospital Federation, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute announced that its Mumbai facility has received the Certificate of Distinction for its Healthcare Sustainability Program from Joint Commission International (JCI). Kokilaben Hospital is the first hospital in India and only the fifth in the world to fulfil this exacting global standard thanks to this prestigious distinction.

This certification comes at a crucial moment when global healthcare systems are stepping up efforts to lower operational risk and increase resilience against disruptions due to climate change. The healthcare sector is one of the top five industries in terms of carbon emissions. The accomplishment is in line with what is expected of a top-tier hospital like Kokilaben, including the increased emphasis on climate-risk disclosures by healthcare institutions under frameworks like the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital’s CEO and Executive Director, Dr Santosh Shetty, emphasised the strategic and financial importance of Our fundamental conviction that sustainability leads to improved clinical outcomes and improved operational performance is reflected in the certification. Our 2030 Sustainability Roadmap prioritises climate-resilient infrastructure, low-emission materials, water conservation, and energy efficiency. In a city dealing with growing climate instability, these measures are intended to reinforce business continuity, lower long-term cost constraints, and enhance patient safety.

Hospitals that incorporate environmental risk governance at the board level and incorporate supply-chain sustainability, emissions, waste, and water efficiency into enterprise risk management are specifically recognised by the JCI-GSC programme. This shows a dedication to strong internal controls and proactive management.

India, a fast-growing country with heavy infrastructural demands, is particularly vulnerable to climate change, which puts more strain on hospital and public health systems. The healthcare industry is being pressured to implement more robust climate-resilient practices due to national initiatives like the NPCCHH that raise standards for emissions reporting, circularity, and disaster preparedness. This change is crucial since climate-related disruptions are expected to cost South Asia up to USD 36 billion a year by 2050.

Kokilaben Hospital’s alignment with international ESG standards represents a significant advancement, even though many Indian hospitals are still in the early stages of integrating environmental governance at a senior level. By including emissions, waste, water, and supply-chain sustainability into core risk management, its JCI Sustainability Certification demonstrates a level of maturity above and beyond current national regulations. In this regard, Kokilaben Hospital stands out as a sector leader, proving that responsible, future-ready healthcare is possible even in settings with limited resources.