In a pioneering move, the country has launched the first-ever Master’s in Sustainable Healthcare and an Executive Fellowship program that deals with the junction of climate change and healthcare, all led by the NUS Medicine Centre for Sustainable Medicine. The programs were recently launched during COP29 and will provide global healthcare leaders with adequate preparation to transition toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.
A Desperate Need
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges for global health, especially in Southeast Asia. Rising temperatures and extreme events are exacerbating health challenges in this region:
Mortality from extreme heat: A 12.7% increase in death due to heat, resulting in higher cases of cardiovascular and renal conditions.
Vector-borne diseases: The suitability of dengue transmission is expected to rise by 28% over the next five decades.
The health care industry accounts for 10% of the emissions that make it globally. It has therefore been essential for the sector to adopt sustainable practices to sustain healthcare needs that are ever-increasing.
“The future of healthcare will be in the protection of patients from climate impacts but in transforming health systems to operate sustainably,” said Professor Nick Watts, Director of CoSM at NUS Medicine.
New Programs
The new Master’s and Executive Fellowship programs are designed to graduate leaders who are well equipped to address the health sector’s environmental footprint.
Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare
For Early career professionals in health and sustainability sectors.
Climate-smart solutions for healthcare; life cycle assessments; low-carbon transition strategies and standards for environmental management under ISO 14040.
Flexibility: Customizable electives and capstone projects aligned to individual career aspirations.
Commencement Date: August 2025, delivered on-campus at NUS Medicine.
Executive Fellow in Sustainable Healthcare
Target Group: Clinical Leaders, Policymakers, Executives.
Delivery: Twelve months part-time hybrid model with both online and on-campus teaching.
Key areas: Assessments of institutional carbon footprints, implementation of strategic change, and leadership development aligned with sustainability objectives.
“We envision these programs as stepping stones, preparing professionals to design data-driven strategies for accelerating healthcare’s sustainability transition,” said Dr. Amanda Zain, Deputy Director of CoSM.
A Global Collaboration
It would reflect a global collaborative ethos in its design, incorporating expertise from the WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, the NHS, and The Lancet. They will be guided through the exchange of real-world knowledge that will fuel impactful decarbonisation in healthcare.
“This is a crossroads of confronting both interlinked health and climate crises,” said Dr. Jessamy Bagenal, Senior Executive Editor of The Lancet. “Empowering professionals at all levels can envision healthcare systems capable of facing these challenges head-on.”
Leadership Perspective
Prof. Yeoh Khay Guan, Chief Executive of NUHS, was candid in stating that it’s very important for these programs: “Healthcare generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. These programs build the capability we urgently need to embed sustainability into patient care while addressing our environmental footprint,” he said.
Hands-on, real-world learning
The uniqueness of the programs is the practical application. Academic rigor blended with experiential learning will enable participants to engage with live projects with measurable outcomes in decarbonization and sustainability.
“The students will have the chance to work with institutions and experts leading climate and health solutions, thus having the opportunity to gain experience in driving meaningful change,” Professor Watts said.
Shaping the Future of Health
These are not just educational programs but reflect a paradigm shift in the training of health professionals in perceiving and dealing with interlinked health and environmental issues. Curriculum areas for leadership, innovation, and sustainability focus on empowering participants to:
Develop low-carbon strategies in health facilities
Conduct detailed carbon footprint analyses at the operational and institutional levels
Lead patient-centered initiatives while minimizing environmental impacts.
The Road Ahead
The COP29 marked the launch of such first-of-their-kind programs. This gives evidence that Singapore leads in integrating sustainability into healthcare. In light of increasing climate change, these programs will help ensure resilience and efficiency of healthcare systems globally.
“Our objective is to inspire a generation of leaders who can line healthcare goals with global sustainability objectives and ensure a healthy planet for future generations,” Dr. Zain said.
Conclusion
Against this backdrop, the launching of these trailblazing programs is a giant leap for health care systems globally, under twin pressure from climate change and growing demand. The Master’s in Sustainable Healthcare and the Executive Fellowship will redefine the future of global health, equipping professionals to lead the transition into a low-carbon, sustainable future. It is a bold vision of a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable world.