The Environmental Status of Healthcare Facilities and Sustainability Prospects in Zliten Municipality

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the environmental status of healthcare facilities in the Municipality of Zliten and analyze their readiness to achieve environmental sustainability. The study followed a descriptive-analytical approach, employing a questionnaire administered to a sample of 192 participants from various professional categories working in the health sector in Zliten Municipality. The results showed that the level of commitment to environmental practices in these facilities remains at 50.4%, particularly in the areas of waste management and green procurement, which stood at 46.6% and 49.8%, respectively. The findings also revealed a clear weakness in strategic planning for sustainability, accompanied by significant challenges hindering this direction—most notably, poor institutional coordination, lack of funding, and shortage of qualified personnel.

The results further indicated the existence of a strong negative correlation between the current environmental status and sustainability prospects, meaning that improvements in institutional environmental performance will contribute to supporting sustainability. The study recommended the adoption of clear policies to improve environmental performance, the provision of financial and human resources, and the activation of partnerships with environmental and academic institutions.