HMC Receives Green and Sustainable Medical Lab Certification. Doha, Qatar – In a groundbreaking achievement for Qatar and the Middle East, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) has received the prestigious Green and Sustainable Medical Laboratories certification from the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM).
This accolade not only underscores HMC commitment to sustainability but also establishes it as a leader in the healthcare sector, being the first in the Middle East and outside Europe to receive this recognition.
HMC Path to Sustainability
The Green Labs certification is the latest milestone in a series of achievements for HMC DLMP, which has previously garnered numerous international accreditations. Among these are certifications from esteemed organizations such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the Joint Commission International (JCI), and the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI).
These accomplishments set a solid foundation upon which the department aimed to build when pursuing the Green Labs certification, aligning with Qatar Third National Development Strategy, which places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
The Green Labs initiative reflects HMC broader mission of integrating sustainability into healthcare services while maintaining high standards of patient care. Dr. Einas Al Kuwari, Chairperson of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at HMC, expressed pride in this accomplishment.
“The Green Labs certification has been awarded to all major specialties within HMC laboratories,” she announced, listing key departments such as the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Microbiology Laboratory, Hematology Laboratories, Anatomic Pathology Laboratory, Immunology Laboratories, Cellular Therapy Laboratories, Diagnostic Genomics Laboratories, and Transfusion Medicine Services.
Advancing Sustainable Healthcare in Qatar
As Qatar continues to take bold steps toward environmental sustainability, the healthcare sector plays a crucial role. Dr. Al Kuwari emphasized the significance of integrating sustainable practices into healthcare systems.
“Qatar is making great strides in implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable policies across all levels of society, aiming for a healthy and sustainable environment. Every healthcare organization should contribute to a sustainable healthcare system, ensuring resources are used efficiently from ecological, social, and economic perspectives while continuing to provide high-quality services to patients.”
The Green Labs certification involves stringent criteria, including the management of hazardous chemicals, energy efficiency, waste management, and water conservation.
HMC success in achieving this certification reflects the dedication of its multidisciplinary team, which consisted of experts from various operational departments, including Hospitality, Environmental Services, Health Facilities Planning, Engineering, and Supply Chain Management.
Together, they worked to implement sustainable practices and ensure ongoing progress through a dedicated sustainability committee.
Global Impact
The European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM), which awarded the Green Labs certification, is at the forefront of guiding laboratories around the world toward carbon neutrality.
The certification is part of the European Green Deal Investment Plan (EGD), also known as the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
Through initiatives like Green Labs, the EFLM is helping clinical laboratories worldwide reduce their environmental impact by minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals, energy, and water, and by managing waste efficiently, all without compromising the quality of healthcare.
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HMC DLMP, through its Green Labs certification, is not only contributing to Qatar sustainability goals but is also setting an example for the broader region in terms of environmentally conscious healthcare.
The department green initiatives are focused on optimizing the use of resources and improving daily practices within the laboratories. This certification stands as a testament to HMC dedication to transparent and responsible implementation of best practices.
Achieving Environmental and Healthcare Excellence
The Green Labs certification is more than just recognition; it’s a reflection of Hamad Medical Corporation ongoing efforts to align its operations with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainability across all sectors.
As part of these efforts, HMC is paving the way for other healthcare organizations in the Middle East to follow suit, integrating sustainability into healthcare services and ensuring that resources are managed efficiently.
The Green Labs initiative is a clear demonstration of how healthcare systems can evolve to meet modern-day challenges, not only by providing exceptional patient care but also by doing so in an environmentally responsible way.
HMC approach balances ecological responsibility with the need for high-quality healthcare, a balance that is increasingly important as the world faces growing environmental challenges.
Conclusion
The receipt of the Green and Sustainable Medical Laboratories certification from the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine positions Hamad Medical Corporation as a leader in sustainable healthcare not only in Qatar but across the Middle East.
By achieving this certification, HMC is setting a new standard for laboratories, proving that it is possible to reduce environmental impact while maintaining excellence in healthcare.
As Qatar continues to progress toward a more sustainable future, HMC Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology is leading by example, showing how healthcare institutions can play a pivotal role in achieving environmental and sustainability goals.
This achievement is not only a testament to HMC commitment to excellence but also a vital step toward the future of healthcare—one that prioritizes both patient well-being and environmental responsibility.