Policy framework for implementation of sustainable procurement practices in healthcare industry

Abstract: Adaptation of sustainable development practices in developing countries has faced many challenges and barriers due to the lack of policy structure. In Pakistan, sustainable development and specifically procurement practices have continued on the same trend prior to the Paris Agreement. This research study examines policy areas that need enhancement for the implementation of sustainable procurement practices in Pakistan’s healthcare industry. The data have been collected from two hospitals and have been analyzed quantitatively with the help of SPSS 22.0. The following factors are investigated to gain a better understanding of underlying issues: the price of equipment, country of origin, international standard compliance (energy, environment, safety and quality standards), actual procurement decision and the most efficient equipment. The Spearman and Chi-square tests are run, and the findings are then utilized to formulate a policy framework. Statistical analysis revealed that price and standard compliance are positively correlated, while the association between country of origin and most efficient equipment using Chi-square test could not be proven. Based on this evaluation, a comprehensive policy framework is proposed covering government and institutional policies, senior management role in terms of commitment toward the implementation of sustainable procurement practices, and introduction of rules incorporating in-depth evaluation of energy, environment, safety and quality standards of all quoted equipment during the procurement process. Such a policy blueprint will assist policymakers and sustainable development planners in the implementation of sustainable processes across various industries. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]