Greening healthcare through circular economy: advancing health and sustainability in policy and practice

Through its activities and energy consumption, the healthcare sector contributes to environmental degradation and climate change. With rising healthcare demands, the adoption of sustainable models has become increasingly urgent. Circular economy (CE) principles-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover-offer a strategic framework to minimize waste and resource use while enhancing system resilience. A narrative review was conducted using Medline (PubMed) and Web of Science, covering literature from January 2015 to June 2025. Studies were selected based on relevance to CE principles in healthcare, including case studies, reviews, and original research. The review identified diverse interventions aligned with CE principles, including reducing low-value care and energy consumption, optimizing surgical trays, promoting reusable medical devices, enhancing waste segregation, and recovering energy from non-recyclable waste. Case studies from various countries highlight both environmental and economic benefits, such as lower CO2 emissions, cost savings, and greater operational efficiency. However, challenges remain, including limited climate literacy, regulatory gaps, and insufficient leadership. Applying CE principles in healthcare can significantly reduce environmental impact while supporting high-value care and financial sustainability. Broader adoption requires systemic policy support, stakeholder engagement, and integration of environmental metrics into clinical and procurement decisions.