Media Release

Udupi, Jun 5: Marking World Environment Day 2026, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, undertook a unique and meaningful initiative by distributing over 5,000 fruit-bearing and medicinal plant saplings to patients and their attendants visiting the hospital on June 5.

World Environment Day is observed globally every year under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The 2026 theme, 'Inspired by nature. for climate. for our future', emphasizes the vital role of nature in building climate resilience and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

In alignment with this year's theme, Kasturba Hospital chose to extend its commitment to community well-being beyond healthcare by placing a living symbol of environmental responsibility in the hands of every patient. The initiative aimed to encourage individuals and families to actively participate in environmental conservation while nurturing healthier communities.

Speaking after distributing the saplings, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, said, “Hospitals are dedicated to healing lives, and today we wanted to extend that healing beyond our walls by nurturing nature. Every sapling distributed represents hope, growth, and our shared responsibility towards the environment. Through this initiative, we are encouraging patients and their families to become partners in creating a greener and healthier future.”

The sapling distribution received an overwhelming and positive response from patients and their attendants, many of whom appreciated the hospital's thoughtful gesture that combined health, sustainability, and community engagement.

By distributing 5,000 saplings in a single day, Kasturba Hospital reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship and demonstrated how healthcare institutions can play a meaningful role in promoting ecological awareness and climate action alongside patient care.