Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Policy and Management

First Advisor

Dr. Syed Zafar Ahmed Fatmi

Second Advisor

Dr. Muhammad Asim

Third Advisor

Dr. Zahid Memon

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Healthcare systems globally are affected by the impacts of climate change, which largely impact environmental stability, public health, and hospital operations. Hospitals are on the front lines of managing these impacts but face limitations in their capacity to implement climate-resilient practices. Understanding the knowledge, perceptions and capacity of hospital management is important to develop sustainable and adaptable healthcare systems in response to challenges brought by climate change.
Aim of the Study: This study explores how hospitals in Karachi perceive and develop knowledge about climate resilience and environmental sustainability. It thus aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the context of individual, organizational, and systemic capabilities in order to encourage practice towards sustainable healthcare in the region.
Methodology: This is a qualitative exploratory study, selected personnel were interviewed from both private and public hospitals in Karachi through semi-structured interviews. The results were interpreted by bringing out three broad thematic elements: individual capacity, organizational capacity, and systemic capacity - all of which speak about the complexity of climatic resilience and environmental sustainability within hospitals.
Results: Findings indicate that management of hospitals is becoming more aware of climatic change impacts although structured climate policies and dedicated resources are often lacking. Individual capacity reveals that while there is a basic understanding of climate change and resilience, specialized training in sustainability practices is needed. Organizational capacity is limited by budget constraints, competing priorities, and the absence of a formal governance structure. Systemic capacity findings highlight phased policy implementation and monitoring as important factors, though standardized climate-specific frameworks are not yet in place.
Conclusion: In conclusion, there is foundational progress in the hospitals of Karachi with respect to climate resilience and environmental sustainability with basic knowledge and minimal initiatives but there are significant gaps in terms of resources, policy and monitoring frameworks, and training at all three levels i.e. individual, organizational, and systemic. To build a climate-resilient healthcare system, the establishment of formal environmental policies at the hospital level, increased resource allocation, advanced training and awareness of the hospital staff and creation of collaborative networks to promote sustainable practices will be necessary for every hospital which could effectively address the challenges presented by climate change and environmental degradation.

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