Description
Introduction – Objectives:
Sustainability is a crucial factor that impacts human health in numerous ways. Climate change and pollution are two of the most significant environmental issues that directly impact human health. The pharmaceutical industry plays a vital role in providing good health for people, but it also impacts the planet's health. According to the World Economic Forum, healthcare is responsible for 4.4% of global emissions, more per dollar of revenue than the automotive sector, and its CO2 footprint is forecast to triple by 2050 if left unchecked. In this work, we look at a case study of one of the largest Indian pharma companies on making medicines more sustainable from manufacturing to the journey it takes to the patient.
Methodology: The methodology involves assessing the environmental, social, and governance risks associated with the company’s operations and supply chain with a strong focus on environmental risks, including the impact of the company’s activities on the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, and water usage. The work looks at ratings such as DJSI, EvoVadis, and CDP.
Results and Discussions: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has been a pioneer in sustainability (first sustainability report in 2005) and has made significant progress on its ESG agenda. This is reflected in several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, e.g. reducing its carbon footprint, including using renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable transportation (air to sea, etc) . Dr. Reddy’s has also implemented a sustainable API manufacturing and development process that focuses on reducing waste, conserving water, and minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals. The results are also reflected in several ESG rankings, such as the listing on the global DJSI, an EcoVadis gold ranking, or CDP. The impact the improved direct operation of a company can be significant. However, there are also limitations. E.g. if we look at adequately recyclable primary packaging, which is still a challenge, as it directly impacts patient safety or the pollution of the environment through the use of medicines. The pharma industry can’t address these factors alone; all health stakeholders must collaborate to find sustainable and patient-centric solutions supported by sustainable policies and legislation.
Conclusions: The example shows that the global pharma industry has made progress in continuously improving sustainability in its operations. ESG assessments can help to standardize these efforts and make it easier for stakeholders to compare different players. On the other hand, providing safe and high-quality medicines for patients will always come with the challenge of finding a balance, and the responsible use and disposal of medicines plays a vital role in minimizing their impact. It also suggests that stakeholders must collaborate to find sustainable and patient-centric solutions supported by sustainable policies and legislation.
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