Innovating for patients and planet: driving equitable and sustainable healthcare

Innovating for social impact and environmental sustainability

In order to develop new technologies that have a positive impact on society and the environment, it is crucial to understand the existing needs on the ground and how these solutions will be used in practice. By listening to diverse voices, particularly patients and care providers, and collaborating with local partners, governments, and communities, better outcomes can be achieved, while avoiding the development of solutions that are inaccessible, ineffective, or unsustainable.

Teaming up to advance health equity

At Philips, we are committed to conducting business with sustainable impact, ensuring that our choices benefit patients, healthcare professionals, the planet, and society as a whole. As a health technology company, we believe that innovation, when driven by customer needs, can enhance health and healthcare outcomes, improve the experience of patients and staff, increase productivity, and make care more accessible, connected, and sustainable.

For instance, we are responsibly incorporating AI and data science into our solutions. By harnessing the power of predictive data analytics and artificial intelligence at the point of care, we can assist in clinical decision-making, expand access to healthcare, and enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

Innovation beyond products

Our innovation processes extend beyond products to encompass business models as well. For example, we are exploring new models of care delivery such as Ambulatory Care Centers, which bring specialized care closer to patients, and Enterprise Monitoring as a Service, which provides hospitals with advanced patient monitoring capabilities without requiring upfront capital expenditure.

Collaboration for sustainable solutions

By collaborating with our customers, suppliers, and industry peers, we are striving to innovate solutions that expand access to care, improve its quality and efficiency, while also minimizing the depletion of Earth’s resources. Our ultimate goal is to go beyond being “impact-neutral” and instead achieve regenerative innovation and design.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services (defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and service capacity and access).

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.

Analysis

The article highlights the importance of innovating for social impact and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the need to understand existing needs on the ground and develop solutions that are accessible, effective, and sustainable. The article also mentions the commitment of Philips, a health technology company, to do business with sustainable impact and make choices that benefit patients, healthcare professionals, the planet, and society.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services
• Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP
• Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: philips.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.