At the 2024 Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) Network Meeting in Hai Phong, Viet Nam—held during the 6th Green Hospitals Asian Conference—network members came together to set goals that will guide their contributions in transforming the region's healthcare sector toward sustainability and climate resilience. These goals were designed to align with and advance Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia’s (HCWH SEA) overarching Strategic Plan.
As 2025 began, the GGHH team at HCWH SEA took the next steps to build on the commitments made by GGHH members in Hai Phong. One key initiative was organizing the election of a new Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), a body designed to foster a participatory approach in the network’s operations. By ensuring ownership, unity, and collaboration, the RCC will play a crucial role in advancing the network’s collective goals in the region.
"With the newly established RCC this year, we hope to strengthen our network’s impact, especially over the next five years. As our membership in Asia continues to grow, it is essential that this expansion is matched by meaningful progress in implementing the network’s goals and leadership in the region."
– Mara Medrano, Regional Engagement Manager (GGHH)
Representatives from GGHH member organizations across the region engaged in knowledge-sharing activities during the network meeting at the 6th Green Hospitals Asian Conference (October 2024, Hai Phong, Viet Nam).
Get to know our new Regional Coordinating Council
The newly elected RCC is composed of healthcare professionals from across the region, representing seven countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Viet Nam. As leaders within their respective healthcare organizations under the GGHH Network, these members are now poised to extend their influence beyond their own facilities and drive sustainability efforts at national and regional levels.
The council is co-chaired by Dr. Glenn Roy Paraso from the Philippines, Executive Director of Mary Johnston Hospital in Manila, and Yuyun Yulianti from Indonesia, a civil servant at West Java Mental Hospital.
Dr. Glenn Roy Paraso, Executive Director, May Johnston Hospital, Philippines
"Coming into the RCC leadership role is both an opportunity and a challenge. For the GGHH Network, I would like to focus on achieving an established system of participation, advocacy, and education on climate change and health that looks at integrative and multidisciplinary approaches. For the community, I look forward to engagement that increases relationship building toward creating a favorable habitat for the residents, and collaborating with hospital health partners. For myself as a health professional, I would like to focus on meaningful activities that highlight care for the environment, where health takes center stage."
Yuyun Yulianti, Head of Department Planning and Law, West Java Mental Hospital, Indonesia
"As RCC member, I commit to working with HCWH SEA and the Ministry of Health to strengthen network engagement and leadership, and expand the use of Climate Impact Check-Up Tools in hospitals across Indonesia. At our facility, I oversee the incorporation of GGHH principles into our Master Plan. I will continue advocating for passive design and green building standards, improving waste segregation, and enhancing energy efficiency through audits, renewable energy sources, and battery storage solutions. I aim to inspire and support other network members in Indonesia to genuinely implement the GGHH Goals."
Dr. Prashant Subramanian, Director, Hospital Bukit Mertajam, Malaysia Image
Dr. Ming-Nan Lin, Vice Superintendent, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Taiwan Image
Dr. Nguyen Huy Nga, Director, Center for Health Environment Research and Development, Viet Nam Image
| Gladys Wong, Senior Principal Dietitian, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore Image
Dr. Wiwat Chatwongwan, Deputy Director, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand Image
|
Forging a productive year for GGHH in Southeast and East Asia
The overall objective of the GGHH Network in the region for 2025 is to strengthen capacity, engagement, and knowledge-sharing while advocating for the continuous integration of mitigation and adaptation practices across member healthcare facilities. This effort will focus on three key aspects: capacity and knowledge sharing; network engagement at the facility, national, and regional levels; and awareness and leadership promotion within the GGHH community.
"We have a diverse and committed group of new RCC members, each bringing influence, expertise, and a deep knowledge of sustainable healthcare. At HCWH SEA, we’re excited about the opportunities for collaboration with hospitals and healthcare systems as we work together to advance our common transformative goals. The GGHH Network plays a crucial role in attaining our vision, in achieving the five-year objectives outlined in our strategic plans."
– Ramon San Pascual, MPH, Executive Director, HCWH SEA
The year 2025 is expected to bring both opportunities and challenges for the wider climate and health movement globally. In this opportune time, we remain hopeful that our newly established leadership group will guide the GGHH effectively, especially in a region where sustainability and public health challenges are most pressing. With their leadership, we are optimistic about navigating the year with resilience—not only in adapting to and mitigating climate change but also in their roles as healthcare leaders advocating for the health of both people and the planet.
Council members, joined by members of the HCWH SEA team, convened for the RCC meeting in March 2025.
The Network
The Global Green and Healthy Hospitals is a network of healthcare facilities, organizations, and institutions around the world that are moving green and sustainable practices in healthcare forward. The network was established by Health Care Without Harm in support of its mission of transforming healthcare worldwide so that it reduces its environmental footprint, becomes a community anchor for sustainability, and leads in the global movement for environmental health and justice.
The network is open for membership among hospitals, healthcare facilities, health systems, and academic organizations that are committed to driving changes toward sustainability, decarbonization, and building climate resilience in healthcare.
As of early 2025, GGHH has grown to over 2,100 members worldwide, representing more than 70,000 hospitals and health centers across 87 countries. In Southeast and East Asia, the network has expanded to 140 members across the region.
Discover more about our growing GGHH Network: https://greenhospitals.org/
Authored by: Donna Mae Ocmeja, Communications Manager, HCWH SEA