What is sustainability?
In 1987, sustainability, or sustainable development, was defined as “development that makes it possible to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” («Our Common Future» report, 1987, World Commission on Environment and Development).
Sustainable development comprises three pillars as the goal is to achieve economic, social and environmental developed in a well-balanced way.
What is the relationship between hospital pharmacy and sustainability?
Some of the competencies of hospital pharmacy are precisely related to the three pillars that define sustainability: society, economy and environment. This means that ingrained in our DNA is a desire to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Our profession can indeed boast of a strong track record of activities geared towards attaining such Goals.
An example of these activities is desprescription, medicines selection, the recycling of the materials used in pharmacy departments, the implementation of job safety measures with respect to the handling of hazardous drugs, telepharmacy, etc.
However, there are many other initiatives that could be adopted. For that reason, SEFH has launched the 2023 +SOStenible project, which comprises 12 concrete actions that should bring us a little bit closer to achieving the SDGs. We hope this Project serves all Spanish pharmacy departments as inspirations to move relentlessly towards the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
