Barreras y desafios para la implementación de hospitales verdes en Ecuador

Abstract

The health sector contributes significantly to environmental degradation at a global level, being responsible for 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, especially in countries such as the United States, China and the European Union. Objective: Promote debate on sustainability in the Ecuadorian health sector and generate practical knowledge for decisionmaking and implementation of public policies that promote green hospitals. Methodology: A qualitative approach, descriptive design was used, and recent academic and government sources were selected through recognized databases, using keywords in Spanish and English, and the results were categorized. Results: Challenges and barriers identified were cultural resistance, financial limitations, inadequate infrastructure, system redundancy, waste management, water and energy consumption, high demand, supply chain, knowledge and training, technological resources, among others. Among the proposed strategies are the promotion of financial incentives, clear policies, continuous training, structural reforms and the Maestría en Gerencia en Servicios de la Salud adoption of sustainable technologies to overcome these challenges. Conclusion: The implementation of green hospitals in Ecuador faces economic, regulatory, environmental and operational obstacles. Despite successful international examples, the scarcity of local studies underscores the need for in-depth research adapted to the Ecuadorian context.