Groene Zorg Alliantie and the Global Health Hub
Sustainability in the international healthcare sector cannot be achieved without intensive collaboration between healthcare professionals, the support of organizations, and close relationships with governments. That's why the Groene Zorg Alliantie (Green Care Alliance) was established in 2021.
The alliance supports the healthcare sector in its transition to sustainability and provides an idealistic voice in the healthcare landscape. From organizing events to media appearances and sharing knowledge via channels such as their podcasts or book, the Groene Zorg Alliantie ensures this voice is heard everywhere. They do this together with numerous healthcare and sustainability experts, who joined the alliance.
“There is still a lot to be done in terms of sustainability,” says Joep Eijkenduijn, board member of the Groene Zorg Alliantie. Together with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Groene Zorg Alliantie is an important partner in the execution of the ‘Green Deal on Sustainable Healthcare’. On this deal, thousands of professionals work together on a sustainable future for healthcare. The ‘Green Deal’ expires in 2026, but that doesn't mean the work stops there.
“We need to continue taking steps to make healthcare more sustainable. The healthcare sector is responsible for 7% of the Dutch CO² emissions. That is more than the complete aviation sector,” Eijkenduijn emphasizes. One of the goals of the Groene Zorg Alliantie is to continue raising awareness of the impacts of climate change on our health and wellbeing. One way to do this is through knowledge exchange between different countries. Eijkenduijn: “We can learn a lot from other countries, like ways to deliver healthcare with fewer resources. At the same time, we also share our own knowledge. For example about how people’s surroundings and lifestyle can prevent illness, which is the most sustainable form of healthcare.”
Collaboration with the Hub: “For us, it was a no-brainer”
The Groene Zorg Alliantie and the Global Health Hub share many goals and interests. For example, both the Hub and Groene Zorg Alliantie are committed to raise international awareness for the climate. “For us, it was a no-brainer to join the Hub,” says Eijkenduijn. “It’s great to see that this theme is so high on the agenda at both the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, and Foreign Affairs.”
The collaboration with the Hub fits well into the role of the Groene Zorg Alliantie as a connector. “We both have our own networks and know our way around the healthcare sector,” says Eijkenduijn. “We already have the expertise and a large international network, but we are still looking for where we can contribute. The Hub helps us expand our network and increase our understanding of international developments, for example, in the areas of climate justice and climate adaptation. We already have a piece of the puzzle, and together, we are even stronger.”
Visit the Groene Zorg Alliantie website for more information