Sipho Secures Innobooster Grant for Innovative Pharmaceutical Packaging Development
We are thrilled to announce that Sipho has been awarded an Innobooster grant exceeding DKK 1 million for the development and testing of two well-known medications, being part of the Sipho innovative solution reducing the carbon footprint in the hospital setting. This project marks a significant milestone in our journey towards transforming medication management and delivery, by incorporating sustainability and efficiency into the very fabric of pharmaceutical care.
In collaboration with a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), we are embarking on a vigorous journey to develop necessary analyses and tests. Our aim is to ensure that our more sustainable medications not only meet the requirements set by the Danish Medicines Agency and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), but also provide a product that increases patient safety, improves the working environment for healthcare professionals and reduces the current Carbon Footprint extensively. The challenge of this project lies in conducting all tests and analyses with the precision and care required to not just fulfill regulatory standards but to also highlight our commitment to patient safety, EHS at hospitals and product reliability.
We plan to address these scientific and regulatory challenges by leveraging on the expertise of our CDMO partnership, combined with the deep understanding our internal team has of the product and its application in clinical settings. By completing this crucial step, we will be prepared to submit our dossier for marketing authorization, moving our innovative solution closer to implementation in the healthcare sector. This not only represents a leap forward in our mission but also contributes to a more sustainable and efficient approach to medication management.
Stay tuned as we continue to break new ground in the pharmaceutical industry, bringing our vision of innovative, sustainable healthcare solutions to life.
Regional Climate Policy: A Path Towards Sustainability
In an ambitious step towards a more sustainable future, the regions in Denmark have set a goal to reduce their emissions by 70% by 2030. A significant portion of these emissions, namely 37%, comes from the procurement of medicine and other goods and services. This poses a unique challenge, as a comprehensive transformation of procurement processes is necessary to achieve these goals.
Integration of Environmental and Climate Considerations
A fundamental challenge is that environmental and climate considerations are not yet widely integrated across the organization. Many decisions are made without adequate regard for these factors, resulting in unnecessary overconsumption.
Lack of Green Products
Another major challenge is the absence of green products in the market. The development of such products often requires Public-Private Innovation, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
No Specific CO2 Reduction Targets for Procurement
There is also a lack of specific targets for reducing CO2 from procurement. This means that efforts to reduce emissions often are not prioritized or are given low priority compared to other agendas.
Transition in Hospitals
A significant transition is underway in hospitals, where there is a shift from reusable instruments to disposable ones. This step alone could double the environmental and climate impact, placing even greater demands on sustainable solutions.
To meet these challenges, a concentrated effort on multiple fronts is required. This involves integrating sustainability at all levels of the organization, developing and implementing green products, setting clear goals for CO2 reduction from procurement, and reconsidering practices in hospitals to find more environmentally friendly alternatives.
This is not just a challenge but an opportunity to shape a greener and more sustainable future for the regions and society as a whole.
Impact of Nursing Shortages in Danish Hospitals
In Denmark’s healthcare system, a critical shortage of nurses is causing a domino effect on medical procedures. This crisis is most acutely felt in the surgical departments, where the absence of nursing support has led to the cancellation of operations and is hindering doctors from performing their essential work. As reported by numerous medical professionals and associations to [Information], this shortage is becoming increasingly problematic.
The Surgeon’s Dilemma: Cancelled Operations
The president of the Danish Medical Association, Camilla Rathcke, reports that many surgeons are forced to cancel procedures due to the lack of nurses available to assist with anesthesia, surgeries, and post-operative care in recovery and intensive care units. This has led to an unfortunate shift, with patients being referred to private hospitals, which in turn are now attracting more medical professionals from the public sector.
The Ripple Effect in Hospital Departments
Dorthe Boe Danbjørg, Vice President of the Danish Nurses’ Organization, highlights a concerning trend: a reduction of intensive care nurses in the public sector and a reluctance among nurses to work overtime following recent strikes. Signe Sofienberg Harving, a surgeon at the Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, echoes these challenges, noting a significant decrease in the number of surgeries performed due to nursing shortages.
The Challenges of Non-transferable Cases to Private Sector
Not all medical procedures can be transferred to private facilities. Many patients are experiencing longer waits for non-life-threatening but essential surgeries, such as knee and hip replacements, and are living with conditions that significantly impair their daily lives, like severe incontinence.
Long-Term Consequences and Potential Solutions
Christian Wamberg, an anesthesiologist, discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the nursing crisis, has drastically reduced the number of operations. This has further increased waiting lists and stressed the healthcare system.
Systemic Issues and Calls for Change
A call for systemic change is being championed by healthcare professionals who recognize that the shortage of nurses is not a transient issue. The need for better wages and working conditions is paramount to address the foundational problems of the healthcare system.
Conclusion: A Look to the Future
Looking forward, it is clear that the Danish healthcare system faces significant challenges that require long-term, sustainable solutions. These include the implementation of the awaited healthcare reform and a fundamental discussion about the public health services’ capabilities and the resources allocated to them.