Redefining Care: Hospitals’ Pivotal Role in Sustainable Development
Journal
Machine Learning Methods in Biomedical Field : Computer-Aided Diagnostics, Healthcare and Biology Applications
ISSN
1860-949X
1860-9503
Publisher
Springer Nature Switzerland
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Magaña Ocaña, Osvaldo Francisco
Type
text::book::book part
Abstract
This chapter explores the evolution of hospitals from ancient institutions of healing into modern pillars of healthcare—now facing growing ethical and environmental contradictions. While designed to preserve life, hospitals also contribute to rising emissions, resource waste, and deepening health inequities, directly harming people’s health and well-being. This chapter critically examines that paradox, tracing the historical role of hospitals and the industrial forces that have transformed them into complex—and often unsustainable—institutions. It presents a bold vision for their reinvention: one driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), IoT, blockchain, and sustainable cloud computing. These technologies equip hospitals with the tools to monitor their environmental footprint, optimize operations, and collaborate globally through standardized, transparent data systems. Ultimately, this chapter calls for a technological transformation in sustainability reporting, positioning hospitals not only as providers of high-quality care, but as pioneers of environmental responsibility and ethical governance in the healthcare sector. ©The authors ©Springer
License
Acceso Restringido
How to cite
Niembro-García, I.J., Magaña Ocaña, O.F. (2026). Redefining Care: Hospitals’ Pivotal Role in Sustainable Development. In: Moya-Albor, E., Ponce, H., Brieva, J., Gomez-Coronel, S.L., Torres, D.R. (eds) Machine Learning Methods in Biomedical Field. Studies in Computational Intelligence, vol 1218. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-96328-5_18