Sustainability has become central to the mission of hospital pharmacists, who are uniquely positioned to minimise waste, reduce healthcare’s environmental footprint and enhance patient outcomes. In his latest commentary, Dr João Gonçalves PhD explores how digital health tools, artificial intelligence and circular economy models can drive meaningful change in hospital pharmacy practice.
In recent years, healthcare sustainability has evolved from basic waste-reduction initiatives to a broader commitment to ecological responsibility. As climate concerns intensify, hospital pharmacists increasingly recognise the significant impact of their decisions on both patients and the planet. Their work includes drug formulation, supply chain management and the responsible disposal of hazardous materials, positioning them at the intersection of patient safety and environmental awareness.
However, to achieve meaningful progress, the pharmacy professions must embrace disruptive strategies that extend beyond incremental improvements. Today’s challenges demand bold investments in new technologies and a concerted effort to integrate sustainability into every aspect of pharmacy operations.
The changing role of hospital pharmacists in promoting sustainability
Hospital pharmacists uniquely oversee the medication lifecycle – from sourcing raw materials to managing waste – ideally positioning them to implement systematic reforms. Their insights into the supply chain allow them to identify inefficiencies and advocate for more sustainable practices, such as reducing excess packaging and improving storage conditions.
Pharmacists can significantly reduce medication waste by employing precise inventory management and unit-dose dispensing strategies, contributing to both environmental and economic benefits.1
Furthermore, as trusted figures in healthcare institutions, pharmacists have the opportunity to influence policies regarding drug formularies and procurement standards, ensuring that ecological considerations are integrated into institutional strategies.
Their participation in sustainability initiatives is crucial, as they can promote practices that minimise ecological impacts, such as advocating for greener drug formulations and sustainable packaging.2
Disruptive technologies transforming sustainability
The rapid advancement of technology provides pharmacists with tools to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in healthcare settings. Telepharmacy, for example, reduces the need for patient travel and associated resource consumption by facilitating remote consultations and medication management, which are particularly valuable for chronic disease management.3 Digital platforms can significantly reduce the frequency of in-person appointments, leading to lower overall resource use and environmental footprint.
Moreover, artificial intelligence and data analytics have transformative potential in pharmacy practice. They enable predictive inventory management that more effectively aligns medication stock with patient needs, thus minimising waste due to expiration.4
Through these technologies, pharmacists can personalise medication therapy management, which not only enhances patient safety but also reduces surplus and waste from mis-prescribing or stockpiling.
Blockchain technology enhances sustainability by providing clearer transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain, revealing unethical production practices and reducing risks linked to counterfeit medications.5
Driving a circular economy
Transitioning to a circular economy framework, where resources are reused and waste is minimised, is a critical advancement for hospital pharmacists. In this model, pharmacists can advocate for greener drug formulations, promoting medications that utilise fewer toxic ingredients while pushing for biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
Supporting initiatives such as medication return programmes ensures responsible disposal and dramatically reduces pharmaceutical pollution.6 Furthermore, encouraging the refurbishment and repurposing of medical devices can diminish landfill waste and conserve scarce resources.
The human factor: training and cultural shift
Integrating disruptive technologies into pharmacy practice requires a cultural shift within healthcare institutions, emphasised by thorough pharmacist training. Ongoing education about digital health tools and sustainable practices is vital to prepare pharmacy professionals for leveraging these innovations effectively.7,8
Collaborative efforts across various disciplines, including with clinicians and IT specialists, will foster cohesive strategies for developing integrated sustainability initiatives. Additionally, involving patients in education about environmental practices related to medication management establishes a shared responsibility that enhances the impact of pharmacists’ efforts.9
Charting a transformative sustainability path
The path towards sustainability in healthcare requires bold investments in new technologies and disruptively questioning established protocols. Hospital pharmacists must embrace performance metrics focused on ecological impacts, driven by the integration of digital transformations and circular economy principles.10
This proactive approach allows pharmacists to transition from supportive roles to leaders in creating resource-efficient frameworks within healthcare systems. By doing this, they can greatly influence both patient care and environmental sustainability, re-affirming the crucial role of sustainability in the future of healthcare.11
Conclusion
Hospital pharmacists are uniquely positioned at the intersection of patient care, resource management and policy advocacy, making them essential for promoting sustainable healthcare practices. By integrating disruptive technologies, embracing innovative operational frameworks and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, they can transform healthcare’s connection to environmental stewardship while upholding the highest standards of patient care.
The challenges ahead are significant, but the potential benefits – ranging from reduced environmental impact to enhanced patient safety – propel the pharmacy profession toward an urgent and necessary transformation.
Author
João Gonçalves PharmD PhD
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Portugal
References
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10 Alshemari A et al. Towards a sustainable solution: The barriers and enablers in adopting circular economy principle for medicines waste management in UK and Kuwaiti hospitals. Circ Econ Sustainability 2025; March 3.
11 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Sustainability in healthcare: The role of the pharmacist and pharmacy practice – Report from an international roundtable. 2023. [Accessed March 2025].
