Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today said the Government will initiate steps to turn all AIIMS across the country into “green hospitals” by adopting environment-friendly methods for disposal and recycling of medical waste.

“The focus will be to make processes at AIIMS environment friendly,” Vardhan said, as he stressed on the need for proper sanitation, hygiene, disposal and recycling of medical waste in hospitals.

Vardhan was addressing a symposium on the ‘Impact of Environment on Health’ on the occasion of World Environment Day here.

“Environment impacts our health and almost 24 per cent of diseases are caused due to environment issues,” Vardhan said.

He emphasised that by educating the masses about the adverse effects of environmental issues such as air and water pollution which are responsible for several lifestyle diseases, many diseases could be prevented.

He said a week-long drive for enhanced sanitation at hospitals across the national Capital would also be started by the Health Ministry.

The Minister further said health should be made a strong social movement and stressed on developing a positive attitude towards health issues.

“Health should be made a strong social movement. We need to develop a strong positive attitude towards health issues in everybody. Almost 80 per cent of diseases and health issues can be addressed by adopting preventive measures which can be done by being aware of their causal factors,” he said.

Vardhan also highlighted the need for establishing more institutes for public health in the country.

“It is imperative to make public health a social movement,” he said, adding that there is a need to focus on the health of senior citizens.

Vardhan also said other ministries and all individuals should work together to create a healthy society and environment.

Vardhan also highlighted the need for setting up more environmental and occupational clinics in different hospitals in the country.

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