Abstract

The significance of social factors in sustainability provides insights into their current state in India. It underscores the importance of incorporating quality of life, equality, diversity, and social cohesion into healthcare sector practices and corporate strategies. The inadequate investment in the social sector is acknowledged as a challenge within the country. The article suggests implementing strategies like trust-building, continuous learning, and community engagement to foster social sustainability. It emphasizes the role of individual, family, and organizational actions in promoting social sustainability, alongside aligning corporate social responsibility with environmental considerations.

Introduction

When addressing social sustainability, numerous factors need to be considered, but measuring and improving them is often challenging due to the inherent unpredictability of human behaviour. In terms of social sustainability components, we should consider aspects such as quality of life, equality, diversity, democracy, and social cohesion. In the healthcare sector, numerous individuals play vital roles, including providers, patients, and various other stakeholders.

Corporations and Social Sustainability

When considering the role of corporations in promoting social sustainability, several key elements come into play. One vital aspect involves upholding human rights and fostering equitable labour practices. Furthermore, prioritizing individuals’ health, safety, and overall well-being is paramount. However, it is essential to acknowledge that despite India’s rapid growth, there remains a notable deficit in public expenditure. In recent years, the overall public spending has been merely six to eight per cent, significantly lower than other BRICS nations. Consequently, more robust initiatives are necessary within the social sector to tackle these challenges effectively.

To ensure that corporations effectively incorporate work-life balance, improve their employees’ living conditions, and promote fair labour practices, particular attention must be paid to the healthcare sector. This is especially important considering that many private hospitals are smaller establishments. While there may already be regulations, extending support from larger corporate hospitals to smaller healthcare facilities is crucial. Organizations like CAHO (Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations) can play a vital role in consistently supporting these efforts. Moreover, it is essential to recognize the presence of various associations within states that represent private nursing homes and other healthcare providers, as they can also contribute to advancing social sustainability in the sector.

When considering adaptive strategies for social sustainability, it is crucial to address trust and diversity. Faith plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective functioning of socially sustainable mechanisms in the healthcare sector. Trust must exist among healthcare providers and between patients and hospitals. Additionally, trust between the government and private healthcare institutions is also essential. Building and maintaining trust requires fulfilling commitments and promises. Another critical factor significant for India is the learning capacity. Continuous learning and improvement are vital for sustainable development on a societal level.

Developing the capacity for learning and fostering a shared understanding within the social structure of organizations are crucial aspects of social sustainability. Several key concepts have emerged to guide us towards this goal in recent discussions. One such concept is competence, emphasizing the importance of acquiring and applying knowledge effectively. Another essential aspect is influence, particularly within educational institutions. As educators, we can shape and influence our students, instilling in them a sensitivity towards the environment and others’ work. Influence holds significant value regardless of the scale or nature of our roles.

Additionally, making sense of the ever-evolving social dynamics is imperative. The social sector undergoes constant change, driven further by technological advancements and the transformative impact of events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, understanding and deriving meaning from these dynamics is crucial to social sustainability.

Innovative strategies must be explored to address the skills and educational aspects of social sustainability. One approach worth considering is the integration of volunteering initiatives within hospitals, similar to the community engagement practices seen in schools. Engaging the community and encouraging volunteerism can play a significant role in influencing people towards social sustainability.

To establish effective social sustainable mechanisms, it is essential to start at the individual level, focusing on self-awareness and personal actions. This can extend to the family level, where individuals can influence and support their families in sustainable practices. At the organizational level, implementing standardized structures and frameworks becomes crucial. Social sustainability should be a key consideration for organizations, encompassing initiatives such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. It is essential to maximise their impact by aligning CSR efforts with broader environmental sustainability aspects.

Technology is also essential in value generation, bringing people and communities together. Currently, the limitations of trained manpower, infrastructure, and longitudinal data management act as a barrier to effectively showcase the impact of CSR programs in health. The focus on using technology to monitor the progress of beneficiaries and showcase statistical, clinical, and real-life changes will support the sustainability of various interventions.