Drivers of sustainable procurement in the health sector: perspectives from key informant interviews of two teaching hospitals in Ghana

Background: Sustainable procurement is gaining attention across the world. In Ghana, interest is growing, even though a comprehensive sustainable procurement policy is yet to be implemented. This study explores the driving factors of sustainable procurement in the health sector using the case of two of the oldest teaching hospitals in Ghana. Methods: The study used an exploratory qualitative case study to conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) mainly from Komfo Anokye and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospitals. Nineteen key informants from the two hospitals and four from three regulatory bodies were interviewed. Interviews were conducted from May 2019 to December 2019. The interviews were analysed thematically to find the main drivers. Results: Both hospitals shared several drivers. These include resource conservation, following legal rules, avoiding legal cases, client satisfaction, health concerns, cost savings, and value for money. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital also showed context-specific drivers like societal pressure, profit-making, professional and personal ethics, and influence from donors and global groups. On the other hand, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has specific drivers such as cultural awareness, protecting public funds, making services affordable, using modern technology, and choosing long-lasting equipment. Conclusions: The study shows that both local and global issues influence sustainable procurement in Ghana. Shared drivers reflect global goals. Context-specific drivers show that each institution also responds to its own needs. These findings show the need to link environmental goals with local social and economic needs in health care.