The future of healthcare will be influenced not solely by the medicines we develop, but also by the methods employed in their production. Climate change is emerging as one of the biggest health threats of our time, with the World Health Organization warning that it could claim an additional 250,000 lives each year between 2030 and 2050.   For the healthcare sector, this highlights the urgent need for swift action. Our responsibilities extend beyond merely treating diseases; they also encompass safeguarding the environment that sustains life.

India assumes a pivotal role, with the world’s largest population and ranking among the top ten contributors of healthcare-related pollution; our influence is considerable. As a major exporter of pharmaceutical products worldwide, India’s actions exert extensive impacts. The long-standing systems that have supported us for decades must be reformed, as environmental repercussions have become excessively detrimental.

Where Change Must Begin
The scale of the challenge can seem daunting. However, a clear starting point is to integrate renewable energy and green chemistry into the core of pharmaceutical manufacturing and research, treating them as essential aspects rather than occasional initiatives.
This involves critically evaluating our current practices, identifying the steps that generate the most waste and emissions, and replacing them with cleaner, smarter alternatives. The global healthcare system generates 9.3 billion tons of material annually, and yet less than 9 per cent is recycled. The consequence? Approximately 3 billion tons of greenhouse gases are released annually- nearly 5 per cent of the world’s total emissions.

In India, the task is twice as complex. We need to reduce emissions without making medicines unaffordable or disrupting supplies for millions of people. That requires us to rethink of how we design processes, where we source energy, and how we use resources.

Green Chemistry: Rethinking the Recipe
The good news is that we already have the tools to facilitate this transition. Green chemistry is not merely a catchphrase; it is a practical and proven methodology that revolutionises the processes of medicine discovery and production. Fundamentally, it entails substituting hazardous solvents, enhancing reaction efficiency, and minimising waste through judicious choices of molecules, reagents, and processes from the outset.

Methods such as bio-catalysis, solvent-free synthesis, and continuous flow chemistry are showing tangible results.  An example is replacing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have a high global warming potential, with green propellants, especially in inhalation therapies and aerosol drug delivery systems. Using low-global-warming-potential propellants helps pharma companies drastically reduce emissions from product use without compromising efficacy or safety.

Research confirms significant progress, with Indian companies producing generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients, demonstrating a strong interest in and advancing towards using green chemistry principles.

The Energy Shift
Every meaningful change begins with addressing energy challenges. Factories, laboratories, and supply chains operate on power around the clock, and the energy source is essential. Switching to renewables is more than just an optional upgrade; it forms the foundation of a resilient and sustainable production system.

Imagine a manufacturing facility equipped with rooftop solar panels, waste heat being collected and reused, and clean hydrogen powering the most demanding processes. These technologies are currently available and, when combined with more efficient workflows, can significantly lower emissions while ensuring consistent production.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Pharma
India’s robust push for sustainability presents a genuine opportunity for our sector to take a leadership role. Integrating green chemistry and renewable energy into everyday practices, rather than viewing them as isolated experiments, is crucial. Policies such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission and various incentives for clean technology are simplifying the transition for companies of all sizes.

Financing will be a crucial part of our journey, helping us move forward together. Financial institutions and investors providing green credit lines or sustainability-oriented funds can facilitate manufacturers in implementing upgrades more promptly. However, technology by itself is insufficient to achieve this goal. It is the individuals—chemists, engineers, and plant operators—who are essential and need to acquire the necessary skills to design and operate low-carbon processes. This requires retraining, mentoring, and sharing knowledge across the industry.

Furthermore, leading pharma companies should actively support their suppliers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses that lack resources, in enhancing their sustainability practices. Sector-wide progress relies on the entire supply chain. Another effective measure is electrifying transportation throughout the pharmaceutical value chain, from raw material logistics to last-mile delivery, employing electric vehicles and smart routing to cut emissions and boost operational efficiency. Collaboration is key here: when scientists, energy experts, and supply chain managers collaborate, they generate ideas that no single discipline could develop alone. This shifts sustainability from being merely a compliance requirement to a catalyst for innovation.

A Shared Responsibility
The health of people and the health of the planet are deeply connected. Every mediation, vial, inhaler, and dose we create contributes to a larger story involving clean air, safe water, and climate stability. India’s pharmaceutical sector is renowned for its innovation, and by integrating genuine environmental care, we can establish a standard that others will aspire to follow. This approach demonstrates that producing world-class medicines can be compatible with maintaining affordability, high standards, and safeguarding our future. We cannot afford to delay; the moment is now, and the decision rests with us.

This article was first published in the BW Healthcare world on Nov 3, 2025