Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute has become the first healthcare institution in India to achieve the JCI Certificate of Distinction for Healthcare Sustainability, awarded in partnership with the International Hospital Federation’s Geneva Sustainability Centre. The hospital now ranks among only five hospitals worldwide to earn this prestigious recognition.
The achievement highlights growing global urgency within healthcare—one of the top five carbon-emitting industries—to reduce environmental impact and strengthen operational resilience amid rising climate risks. The certification also reflects alignment with global climate governance frameworks such as TCFD and ISSB, which are increasingly shaping hospital disclosures and risk strategies.
Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Santosh Shetty noted:
“The certification reflects our core belief that sustainability unlocks both better clinical outcomes and stronger operating performance. Our 2030 Sustainability Roadmap focuses on energy efficiency, water stewardship, low-emission materials, and climate-resilient infrastructure. These investments are designed to reduce long-term cost pressures, improve patient safety, and strengthen business continuity in a city facing increasing climate volatility.”
The JCI–Geneva programme recognizes hospitals that embed environmental governance at board level and integrate sustainability components—ranging from emissions and waste to water efficiency and supply-chain management—into enterprise risk frameworks.
India’s healthcare system is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with rapid urbanisation and strained infrastructure amplifying risks. Reports estimate climate damage could cost South Asia USD 36 billion annually by 2050. Government programmes like NPCCHH call for greater reporting, circularity and climate preparedness, yet adoption remains uneven.
Kokilaben Hospital’s recognition demonstrates a high level of ESG maturity uncommon in Indian healthcare, positioning it as a pioneer of climate-resilient and future-ready medical infrastructure.
