Why We Must Rethink Healthcare’s “Throwaway Culture”: Dr. Mahmood Bhutta on Planetary Health and Sustainable Solutions

The HQ

In this episode of The HQ, we explore a crucial yet little discussed issue in healthcare: the environmental – and social – harms caused by our medical supply chains. These challenges became particularly evident during the pandemic, when global supply chains were pushed to the brink, highlighting our dependence on foreign production for critical medical items like masks and gloves. Yet the issue of supply chains is surprisingly much more encompassing of many supplies that are manufactured under sub-standard conditions in other countries, and which ultimately will be “thrown away” after a single use. As healthcare continues to grapple with its environmental footprint and ethical responsibilities, our guest, Dr. Mahmood Bhutta, has been at the forefront of bringing awareness to the issues and opportunities which are driving much needed change in this space.

Dr. Bhutta, the inaugural Chair in ENT Surgery and Professor of Sustainable Healthcare at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the UK, and Clinical Green Lead for University Hospitals Sussex, brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to addressing both the environmental and human rights impacts of healthcare. His unique perspective offers valuable insights into how we can rethink our approach to healthcare supply chains for a more sustainable and ethical future.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Bhutta discusses how our "throwaway culture" in healthcare has contributed to significant waste and exploitation, and why it’s vital for healthcare leaders to start addressing these issues at both the policy and operational levels. He also shares practical solutions that can lead to a more sustainable and ethical healthcare system, without compromising patient care.

Tune in to learn more about the impact of supply chains on planetary health and what steps healthcare leaders can take to make a change.

Key Discussions:

Throwaway Culture in Healthcare: Dr. Bhutta explains the concept of throwaway culture and how it manifests in healthcare, from the over-reliance on disposable items to the environmental and labour rights consequences.

Labour Rights and Medical Supply Chains: We delve into the troubling conditions under which many healthcare products are manufactured, including child labour in some regions. Dr. Bhutta shares his personal connection to these issues and why they demand urgent attention.

Systemic Misconceptions: Dr. Bhutta challenges several misconceptions in healthcare, including the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the assumption that disposability is inherently safer or more cost-effective.

Sustainability in Healthcare: The conversation moves towards solutions, as Dr. Bhutta outlines what sustainable healthcare could look like—focusing on reusable products, improved purchasing models, and a shift in mindset across the system.

Impact on Global Healthcare Systems: Dr. Bhutta addresses the larger threat that unsustainable practices pose to healthcare systems globally and offers insight into what a policy agenda for sustainable healthcare might include.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Mahmood Bhutta is a pioneer in sustainable healthcare. As a leading voice on the environmental and human rights impacts of healthcare supply chains, Dr. Bhutta works to make healthcare systems more sustainable and equitable. He serves as Chair in ENT Surgery and Professor of Sustainable Healthcare at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the UK and is the Clinical Green Lead for University Hospitals Sussex. His extensive research and activism have led to real-world changes in healthcare practices, helping reduce waste and improve labour conditions across the medical supply chain.

Helpful Links:

Brighton and Sussex Medical School | Twitter: Click Here

Brighton and Sussex Medical School | Facebook: Click Here

Brighton and Sussex Medical School | LinkedIn: Click Here

Brighton and Sussex Medical School | Website: Click Here

Tell Us What You Think

We welcome your feedback about the HQ Podcast so we can continuously improve and create episodes that our listeners want to hear.

Please take a few moments to fill out our short survey:  Click Here

Don’t forget to subscribe to The HQ on your favourite podcast player and leave us a review!