In Pulse to Planet, Prof K Srinath Reddy, Founder President of the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), advocates for a holistic approach to health. When asked about the most accessible opportunities for improvement — the so-called “low-hanging fruits” — he places particular emphasis on primary healthcare. He believes that this is where the majority of diseases can be effectively addressed, starting from prevention and positive health promotion, to early detection, appropriate treatment, and referral when necessary.
He notes that timely intervention at the primary level can prevent diseases from progressing to more severe stages, thereby avoiding the need for costly and distant hospital care. Such a scenario, he warns, not only burdens individuals but also places considerable strain on national health and financial systems. Consequently, he sees sustained investment in health — especially at the foundational level — as essential.
At the same time, Reddy acknowledges the importance of advanced care. He stresses the need for investment in district and medical college hospitals to ensure the availability of secondary care and essential components of tertiary care across the country.
When discussing the implications of climate change, particularly global warming, Reddy points to the wide-ranging health consequences it brings. He highlights that people are already suffering from extreme heat, which leads to serious illness and, in some cases, death. He further explains that rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are expected to increase the incidence of vector-borne diseases, especially those spread by mosquitoes — such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Zika.
He adds that climate change also drives a rise in water-borne diseases, either through flooding and water contamination or through droughts and water scarcity. Additionally, he warns of a broader spectrum of health impacts, including strokes, heart attacks, mental health conditions, and renal failure. There are also significant concerns regarding food systems, as agriculture becomes more vulnerable, potentially leading to nutritional insecurity.
In response to these emerging risks, Reddy advises individuals to take practical precautions — for instance, by limiting their exposure to extreme heat during the hottest parts of the day.
On the topic of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, particularly within the Indian context, Professor Reddy notes that the healthcare sector is both a victim of climate change and a contributor to it. He outlines how extreme weather can damage infrastructure, disrupt transport systems, and leave healthcare personnel stranded and unable to reach facilities — all of which compromise patient care.
At the same time, the sector is responsible for a notable share of greenhouse gas emissions. He points out that globally, healthcare is estimated to account for around 5.4% of total emissions. However, he also observes that many healthcare institutions are beginning to take action. These efforts include reducing energy use, cutting emissions, and investing in infrastructure that is more resilient to climate stressors.
When asked about the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on health, Reddy expresses concern over the pace of progress. While he recognises that the SDG framework as a whole offers a mixed picture, he believes more must be done to meet the 2030 targets. His greater worry, however, lies not with national averages, but with the disparities between different states. He emphasises the need to close these gaps, warning that failure to do so will eventually pull down overall national indicators as well.
