This chapter explores the evolution of hospitals from ancient institutions of healing into modern pillars of healthcare—now facing growing ethical and environmental contradictions. While designed to preserve life, hospitals also contribute to rising emissions, resource waste, and deepening health inequities, directly harming people’s health and well-being. This chapter critically examines that paradox, tracing the historical role of hospitals and the industrial forces that have transformed them into complex—and often unsustainable—institutions. It presents a bold vision for their reinvention: one driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), IoT, blockchain, and sustainable cloud computing. These technologies equip hospitals with the tools to monitor their environmental footprint, optimize operations, and collaborate globally through standardized, transparent data systems. Ultimately, this chapter calls for a technological transformation in sustainability reporting, positioning hospitals not only as providers of high-quality care, but as pioneers of environmental responsibility and ethical governance in the healthcare sector.

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Redefining Care: Hospitals’ Pivotal Role in Sustainable Development

  • Isabel Joaquina Niembro-García,
  • Osvaldo Francisco Magaña Ocaña

摘要

This chapter explores the evolution of hospitals from ancient institutions of healing into modern pillars of healthcare—now facing growing ethical and environmental contradictions. While designed to preserve life, hospitals also contribute to rising emissions, resource waste, and deepening health inequities, directly harming people’s health and well-being. This chapter critically examines that paradox, tracing the historical role of hospitals and the industrial forces that have transformed them into complex—and often unsustainable—institutions. It presents a bold vision for their reinvention: one driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), IoT, blockchain, and sustainable cloud computing. These technologies equip hospitals with the tools to monitor their environmental footprint, optimize operations, and collaborate globally through standardized, transparent data systems. Ultimately, this chapter calls for a technological transformation in sustainability reporting, positioning hospitals not only as providers of high-quality care, but as pioneers of environmental responsibility and ethical governance in the healthcare sector.