UMCG study: Doctors lack tools to prescribe eco-friendly medicines

A study led by the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) reveals that while a vast majority of healthcare providers wish to prescribe more environmentally friendly medications, they lack the necessary knowledge and guidelines to do so.

Research involving 440 medical professionals shows that 94 percent are willing to work more sustainably, and 97 percent would switch to eco-friendly alternatives if they were equally effective. However, significant barriers exist. Two-thirds of participants are unaware if certain medications contain PFAS, and many do not know where to find reliable information regarding environmental impact. Additionally, 60 percent of respondents cited a lack of clear national guidelines as a major obstacle.

Pharmaceutical waste is a growing environmental concern. Approximately 500,000 kilograms of medicinal residues enter the sewage system annually through excretion or improper disposal. Because water treatment plants cannot fully filter these substances, roughly 190,000 kilograms end up directly in lakes, rivers, and ditches, harming aquatic life and complicating drinking water filtration. With an aging population, medication use is projected to increase by 25 percent by 2040, further intensifying the risk of pollution.