How can project managers help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in healthcare

A rapidly changing world brings new health challenges and seeks, above all, the management of the health sector for its better alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs offer a global framework to achieve economic prosperity, sustainable development for all by 2030. Specifically, Goal 3 of the SDGs — "to ensure quality of life and promote prosperity for all in all age groups" — have a direct impact on health within the sector. Effective project management in health is becoming very important in achieving these goals, particularly in finding out if health systems are sustainable and fair in relation to access.

The role of project management in healthcare

In healthcare, project management steps in to apply knowledge, skills and techniques to project activities to meet given health objectives. Whether it’s the building of new healthcare facilities, the implementation of electronic health record systems, or vaccination campaigns, project management serves as the engine to drive these programs.

The projects can be complex and multi stakeholder-driven, with extensive investment in a heavy regulatory environment, hence demanding and strict management. Moreover, such projects usually are time-critical, involve human lives, and need extreme care in planning, risk management and adaptation.

Aligning health care projects with the Sustainable Development Goals

Improving health infrastructure (SDG 3.8 & 9)

Quality health infrastructure is the hallmark of realising UHC. Through healthcare project management, such facilities are planned for and designed not only to be state-of-the-art but also to be sustainable and resilient: energy-efficient, using sustainable materials and designed to withstand climate-related challenges.

Promoting health equity (SDG 3.1, 3.2 & 3.4)

Reduction in health inequality is at the core of SDGs. To this end, efficient project management works towards the inclusion of projects relating to healthcare, targeting underserved populations and tackling social determinants of health. For instance, maternal and child health projects, mental health initiatives and management of chronic diseases have to be executed with the aspirations and concerns of the vulnerable groups regarding outcome inequalities in health.

Enhancing technological innovation: SDG 9

These SDGs are realised through advances in health technologies — in particular, telemedicine and health information systems. This involves managing projects where new technologies are introduced, training health workers and ensures the technology meets the needs of the population.

Environmental sustainability in healthcare projects (SDG 6,7,12 &13)

Every healthcare project should be designed and integrated to address the environmental sustainability aspect. This will involve management of the environmental impact caused by health facilities, promotion of renewable sources of energy and responsible waste management. Through this approach, the managers of the projects are able to incorporate green practices into design and execution in relation to meeting the set SDG targets on clean energy, responsible consumption and climate action.

Challenges and solutions

Some of the challenges to aligning healthcare projects with the SDGs relate to resource constraints, competing priorities and intricacies of measuring impact. Still, such can be overcome by effective project management in a number of ways, including:

Incorporate targets of SDGs into the design of the projects: SDG targets shall be built into the project lifecycle — from planning to evaluation — so that it’s sure to work hand in hand with global sustainable development objectives.

Multisectoral collaboration: Quite often, healthcare projects involve sectors working collaboratively. Project managers could facilitate partnerships between governments, NGOs, the private sector and communities to pool resources and expertise.

Data-driven decisions: For tracking progress toward attaining the targets set by the SDGs, there is a need for abundant data. It’s important that project managers prioritise the collection, analysis and eventual use of data to make decisions leading up to the project and demonstrate the impact.

Healthcare project management is one of the keys to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. It’s in these areas that, with regard to the management of project objectives in relation to SDGs on health, infrastructure and sustainability, project managers are well-suited to lead towards a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world. The Association for Project Management has a leading role in ensuring that professionals are empowered to spearhead such efforts and are furnished with the tools, frameworks and knowledge to make a way through the complexities of healthcare projects in a sustainable manner. As we go forward towards 2030, there is no doubt that incorporating the SDGs into health project management will make health interventions more effective and assure long-term development goals.