In today’s era, everyone is self-driven – businesses are chasing profits, while people want to achieve their goals. All the hustle-bustle in life is making us forget about our responsibility towards society. Some people volunteer, while others make regular donations, but big businesses and industries are far from corporate social responsibility (CSR). Similarly, the healthcare sector is all about patient care, but not many institutes practice CSR in healthcare. (1)
Are you familiar with CSR in healthcare?
Corporate social responsibility refers to the institute’s commitment to work to better society and the environment. It is an ethical obligation that requires hospitals to make a difference in others’ lives. It follows a set of values – equity in access to healthcare, universal coverage, and efficient resource allocation. The implementation of socially responsible behavior can help hospitals increase competitiveness while enhancing its external image.
Hospitals can enjoy a better social perception with higher community engagement as people appreciate CSR efforts. Remember, all practices have to be transparent and accountable for CSR, ensuring financial and social sustainability. If you are considering contributing to society, let us help you out. Here we are revealing the top six corporate social responsibility examples in the health sector.
1. INTRODUCE EMPLOYEE-WIDE CHARITY PROGRAMS
With the implementation of international standards and technological advancements, hospitals have to work harder than other industries to retain trust. Corporate social responsibility brings out the best in hospitals while allowing workers to climb up the ladder. If you have a managerial role and wonder how to become a hospital CEO, engaging in CSR can help. Alongside educational qualifications, leadership roles are all about making high-level positive impacts.
One way to take the front seat is by folding into employee engagement. Listen to your employees, enlist their problems, and work on social issues that matter to them. Similarly, you can introduce fundraising campaigns with employees and encourage them to give back to society. This philanthropic endeavor can contribute to clinical program improvements and supports projects across the health system. After all, social responsibility focuses on the ‘practice what you preach’ concept.
2. OFFER PREFERENTIAL DRUG PRICING
Undoubtfully, hospitals want to make healthcare services available for everyone – whether they can pay or it or not. The lack of funds from the government and increasing technological advancements are making health services more expensive. Thus, the best CSR practice could be making things affordable for underprivileged people. In some countries, people live below the poverty line, making them vulnerable to life-threatening diseases.
As part of your CSR campaign, offer preferential drug pricing to these people. Accessibility to medicines can combat diseases like AIDS, malaria, and dengue, opening doors to a healthy life. Likewise, supply vaccines to the poorest countries to fight child malnutrition and health diseases in infants. If you don’t have enough resources, join hands with a pharmaceutical company and make some difference in society together.
3. ADOPT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRACTICES
With the scarcity of resources, it is high time the healthcare sector shifts to eco-friendly practices. Firstly, save energy by switching to LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) standard green buildings. It provides a framework for highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. It provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Notably, this is one of the best corporate social responsibility examples as people prefer hospitals that care about the environment.
Most importantly, the healthcare industry has to adopt efficient waste management practices. All the usage of plastic, paper, syringes, and lumber contributes to the loss of global habitat. Use a medical waste shredder or autoclave chambers to dispose of waste properly. Alongside this, protect the supply of water to surrounding communities. Ensure efficiency and economize the use of hot water and reduce mercury-containing equipment to minimize environmental damage.
4. ORGANIZE HEALTH CAMPAIGNS
Have you ever been to a health campaign? Usually, they promote knowledge, address health issues, and spread awareness amongst the public. Since you are practicing CSR, consider taking these campaigns to the next level. Locate highly populated areas where poverty levels are high, which would be the best place to set up health campaigns. Alongside awareness programs, offer free health services by encouraging your staff to participate.
Nurses can check blood pressure and sugar levels while practitioners can cater to health issues. You can also conduct blood tests to ensure people don’t have any harmful diseases. Besides, if an eye specialist is willing to volunteer, bring them on board, and introduce free eye checkups in your campaign. If you have sufficient funds, hand over vision glasses to people with poor eyesight. The campaign’s duration depends on the number of funds and resources you have as it can be 1-3 days long. (2)
5. EXPLORE NEW HORIZONS THROUGH MHEALTH
The rising use of mobile technologies is no surprise to anyone. As a result, hospitals can use mHealth as part of the CSR campaign. It is transforming the face of health delivery service by bringing a paperless work environment. At the same time, it is overcoming multiple health challenges, chronic staff shortages, and limited budgets.
People no longer have to visit the practitioners in person as consultations can happen through video conferencing. Similarly, doctors can diagnose people online by assessing their symptoms. It is an ideal way out for people who don’t have top-notch hospitals nearby. Alongside promoting accessibility, it reduces the burden on hospitals while decreasing the need for more resources.
6. INITIATE COMMUNITY WELLNESS & EDUCATION
When it comes to community wellness, you can initiate ‘human kindness’ or ‘health education’ programs. You can center it around the concept of personal and community wellness. Begin by implementing practices that are benefiting the community. Here are some ideas.
- Educate hospital staff about energy waste and toxins to ensure they are not polluting the environment. Toxins in the atmosphere can create breathing problems for people.
- You can introduce mobile wellness clinics in communities to cater to all healthcare challenges. It can act as an information-sharing platform, spreading awareness in the community.
iii. Initiate project cure and look out for volunteers who can donate medical supplies worldwide.
- Feel free to fund research grants to students, universities, and educational institutes.
- Use community education programs to attract youth to the medical field. Talk about lucrative opportunities and adequate job security in the healthcare sector to attract people.
WRAP UP
Corporate social responsibility initiatives reflect the organization’s values and vision. Hospitals have to balance their responsibilities – improving patient care and adding value to society. It is not mandatory to go over the board as small initiatives can also make a significant difference. Besides, a successful CSR campaign can be a source of opportunity, helping you gain an edge in the industry.
