Universiti Malaya (UM) has marked a groundbreaking milestone with the launch of Green@UMHealth, Malaysia’s first academic health centre dedicated to advancing sustainability in healthcare. This pioneering initiative signals the university’s commitment to eco-conscious practices in medical education, research, and clinical operations, setting a new standard for integrating environmental sustainability into healthcare systems.
Held at the TJ Danaraj Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, the launch event carried the theme “Leading the Way to Greener Healthcare.” It brought together distinguished guests, healthcare professionals, academics, and policymakers to underscore the urgency of sustainability in healthcare. The initiative is part of UM’s broader effort to harmonize environmental stewardship with its core mission of innovation and societal impact.
Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Hajjah Dr. Aishah Ong, Pro-Chancellor of UM, officiated the event with a compelling speech that called for collective action to ensure a sustainable future. She highlighted the power of individual and collective choices in making a lasting difference, saying, “Let this initiative be a reminder that every action counts. By making small, conscious decisions today, we can pave the way for a healthier planet and a brighter future for generations to come.” Her message set the tone for a program focused on inspiring change across all levels of the healthcare system.
Adding to the occasion, Professor Dr. Zamri Radzi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs), emphasized the dual responsibility of healthcare professionals: not only to educate and shape future practitioners but also to lead by example in creating sustainable practices within hospitals, clinics, and communities. He noted that Green@UMHealth embodies a bridge between the faculty’s medical expertise and the university’s broader sustainability agenda, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and healthcare innovation can go hand in hand.
The event also featured a keynote address by Associate Professor Dr. Zeeda Fatimah Mohamed, Director of the UM Sustainability and Development Centre (UMSDC). Her presentation highlighted the university’s history of grassroots sustainability initiatives that have grown into transformative programs. Dr. Zeeda shared inspiring examples of how UM’s community-driven approach has achieved tangible environmental benefits while fostering a culture of ecological mindfulness among students, staff, and the wider community.
A forum moderated by Professor Dato’ Dr. Yang Faridah Abdul Aziz provided further insights into the challenges and opportunities of embedding sustainability in healthcare. Panelists explored strategies to create a lasting culture of environmental responsibility within clinical faculties and hospitals. Professor Shireen Anne Nah Han Yien, newly appointed Head of Green@UMHealth, showcased several ongoing projects under the initiative, including efforts to rationalize the use of surgical trays and reduce plastic packaging in the inpatient pharmacy. She emphasized that these practical measures demonstrate how every stakeholder in the healthcare system can play a vital role in promoting sustainability.
The launch of Green@UMHealth is not just a symbolic gesture but a tangible commitment to aligning healthcare practices with the principles of environmental sustainability. By addressing critical areas such as resource optimization, waste reduction, and sustainable clinical practices, the initiative positions UM as a leader in transforming healthcare into an environmentally responsible sector. Through this program, UM aims to inspire other academic institutions and healthcare organizations to adopt similar measures, ensuring that the health of people and the planet are treated as interconnected priorities.
This bold initiative reflects UM’s longstanding dedication to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Founded in 1905, UM has consistently been at the forefront of driving positive change in Malaysia, and Green@UMHealth is a natural extension of its mission to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
Green@UMHealth is spearheaded by the Faculty of Medicine and is designed to minimize the ecological impact of medical education, research, and clinical operations. By fostering collaboration among academics, practitioners, and policymakers, the program seeks to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the healthcare sector while nurturing a new generation of eco-conscious healthcare professionals.
The launch event concluded with a resounding commitment from all attendees to support Green@UMHealth’s vision of greener healthcare. UM’s leadership in this area underscores its resolve to pioneer innovative solutions for a healthier planet and healthier lives.
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Further details on Green@UMHealth may be available from Prof. Dr. Shireen Anne Nah Han Yien by contacting her at shireen.nah@um.edu.my
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