Conference Report of Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists National Continuing Medical Education on ‘Carbon-neutral and Eco-conscious Anaesthesia Practice’

A 1-day continuing medical education (CME) was conducted on 24th August 2025, on the theme ‘Carbon-neutral, eco-conscious anaesthesia practice: Patient and perioperative physician safety’. The event was organised by the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (ISA), Rishikesh City Branch. The programme was designed to have a series of panel discussions, keynote lectures and pro–con sessions in the first half and three hands-on workshops aligned with the theme in the second half of the day. The goal of conducting this CME was to prime doctors and members of the healthcare team to align at a national level with the support of the professional society. This was aptly set in motion by a tree plantation on the morning of the event to support the underlying message of sustainability in anaesthesia as well as in overall healthcare practice [Figure 1].Figure 1: (a) Tree plantation to initiate the event. (b) Release of Ecoflurane Express: official newsletter. (c) Skit by postgraduate students on eco-conscious anaesthesia practices. (d) Participation by faculties and delegates from all over IndiaThere were various panel discussions on topics such as Anaesthesia Waste Audit, How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Patient Safety versus Planet Safety. These sessions covered the importance of quantifying anaesthesia-related waste, analysing its sources and implementing hospital-based strategies for minimisation. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, engaging surgeons, nurses, anaesthesiologists and administrative staff in sustainability initiatives, was also highlighted. There were deliberations on the ethical and clinical considerations when selecting anaesthetic agents and techniques, weighing the benefits of rapid recovery and proven safety against the ecological consequences of high global warming potential agents and single-use disposables. Discussions included strategies such as choosing low-flow anaesthesia, preferring agents with lower environmental impact and rationalising the use of consumables. The Chief Guest, Prof Meenu Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS, Rishikesh, delivered an inspiring address, emphasising the role of innovation, leadership and collaboration in advancing anaesthesia practice when maintaining high standards of patient safety. She highlighted how initiatives such as waste audits and judicious use of consumables can substantially reduce the ecological footprint of operating theatres without compromising clinical outcomes. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr Sukhminder Jit Singh Bajwa, Hon. Secretary, ISA National. He stressed that anaesthesiologists carry a dual responsibility: to ensure patient safety through evidence-based clinical care, when simultaneously adopting strategies to minimise environmental impact. This dual focus, he noted, must become integral to modern anaesthesia. There were various other topics discussed in the form of lectures, which covered aspects such as the clinical, economic and environmental benefits of low-flow anaesthesia and tackling OT waste without compromising safety. There was an engaging debate which explored the scope, benefits and limitations of regional anaesthesia across different surgical procedures and its role in sustainable anaesthesia practice. The thought-provoking highlight of the day was a thematic skit on eco-conscious anaesthesia, creatively addressing the challenges and solutions for sustainable operating practices [Figure 1]. The performance received great appreciation for its educational value. The organising team also released the newsletter Ecoflurane-Express, which was intended to creatively showcase the message and lessons of sustainability through contributions from various members of the professional community [Figure 1]. A parallel session was conducted wherein young researchers, as well as faculty, presented their work in the form of posters and papers. Three meticulously curated hands-on workshops were conducted on the following topics: low-flow anaesthesia, total intravenous anaesthesia and regional techniques for surgical anaesthesia [Figure 2].Figure 2: (a) Regional anaesthesia workshop. (b) Total intravenous anaesthesia workshop target control system station. (c) Total intravenous anaesthesia workshop closed loop system station. (d) Low flow anaesthesia workshop simulation stationWhat set this CME apart was the thoughtful blend of eco-conscious initiatives, academic rigour, student participation and national-level expertise. In keeping with the theme of sustainability, the organisers consciously adopted green practices such as minimal plastic, digital and recyclable content, reflecting a strong commitment to reducing waste and carbon footprint. This CME has reaffirmed the role of anaesthesiologists as leaders in both patient safety and environmental stewardship. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.