Speaking on the panel “Adapting to disaster: building climate resilience”, Yasemin emphasised that adaptation is no longer optional. “It is an immediate operational imperative,” she noted, pointing to a persistent gap between risk awareness and action.

She highlighted that sustainability risks are often documented but not actively addressed until a crisis occurs. Drawing a parallel to healthcare, Yasemin likened this approach to recognising early warning signs of illness but delaying treatment until intervention becomes critical. “Our responsibility is to act on what the data is already telling us,” she said.

The discussion comes amid rising climate volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, which are increasingly reshaping operating environments across industries. In healthcare, these pressures present a unique challenge: ensuring uninterrupted patient care even as systems face multiple, overlapping disruptions.

Yasemin shared a real-world example from IHH Healthcare’s operations in Chennai, where severe flooding required the safe evacuation of 106 patients. The response, she explained, was made possible not only by infrastructure readiness but by comprehensive planning and coordinated execution across teams.

To strengthen resilience across its global network, IHH Healthcare has been conducting climate scenario analyses to identify facilities most exposed to extreme risks. These insights are used to reinforce business continuity planning, ensuring that critical healthcare services can be maintained even under adverse conditions.

The company’s approach reflects a broader shift in how healthcare providers are responding to climate challenges—moving from reactive measures to proactive, data-driven strategies aimed at safeguarding both operations and patient outcomes.