CHENNAI: Highlighting the inseparable link between planetary and human health, Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, judicial member of the National Green Tribunal, called on healthcare institutions to become leaders in environmental accountability.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Global Summit on Climate Change Mitigation – Healthcare Perspective, she stated, “Climate change is a direct threat to public health.

Healthcare institutions must lead through accountability, ethical governance, and responsible environmental practices.”

The summit, organised by the Commonwealth Medical Association and hosted by the Indian Medical Association’s Tamil Nadu branch, convened leaders from across India and the Commonwealth at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre.

The focus was on building climate-resilient healthcare through policy, infrastructure, and education.

Echoing the need for systemic change, Dr Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor of SRM Institute of Science and Technology, stressed, “Healthcare education cannot be separated from climate realities. Universities must embed sustainability into teaching, research, and practice.”

Dr Jayanthi, Dean of SRM Medical College, addressed operational impacts, noting the summit enabled sharing of practical solutions for hospitals facing daily climate-related challenges in patient care and operations.

Featuring expert panels on green hospitals, smart infrastructure, and governance, the summit concluded with a reinforced policy commitment and a call for sustained collaboration to translate dialogue into tangible action for sustainable health systems.