European Union (EU) countries are struggling with the high costs of operating healthcare facilities due to energy consumption. The rational use of resources, including renewable energy sources (RESs), is a goal of sustainable development in terms of solving environmental problems. There are few literature studies that analyze the impact of the use of RESs in the healthcare sector on the achievement of sustainable development goals in EU countries. This study examines the potential of RESs to address environmental challenges in EU healthcare systems and their impact on the Healthcare Index (HI). A quantitative analysis explores the relationship between the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Environmental Health Score (EHS) and HI. Data were taken from Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy (YCELP), European Environment Agency (EEA), and the Numbeo. This study assessed the relationship by using SPSS 29. This study concluded that RESs should be prioritized in healthcare facilities to increase environmental performance and thus meet sustainable development goals. The use of RESs affects environmental performance and improves HI. The results indicate significant positive correlations, highlighting the benefits of RES adoption for both environmental and health indicators.

Theoretical background: Telemedicine has become a critical component of modern healthcare, offering the potential to improve patient outcomes, streamline clinical workflow, and facilitate more informed decision-making. Its implementation in healthcare systems offers the opportunity to leverage technology to improve access, efficiency, and quality of care. Purpose of the article: This study aims to investigate the implementation of telemedicine in the Polish healthcare system and assess its adoption in comparison with other EU countries. It also aims to assess the impact of the rate of adoption of teleconsultations as a percentage of all consultations in Poland on the quality and accessibility of healthcare in comparison with other EU member states. Research methods: This research used a literature-based approach, analyzing existing scientific articles, government reports and OECD data to understand the current state of telemedicine in Poland and EU countries. Data on the implementation rate of medical teleconsultations as a percentage of all consultations were collected from national healthcare databases and Eurostat. Main findings: The study highlights the urgent need to prioritize telemedicine in Poland to enhance healthcare efficiency. Poland’s teleconsultation rate (25%) and digitized health records (41%) lag behind leading EU nations such as Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, which have higher telemedicine adoption and fully digitized records. The low adoption rate in Poland contributes to inefficiencies, administrative burdens, and healthcare disparities, especially in rural areas. Countries with advanced telemedicine systems demonstrate improved patient outcomes, reduced hospital congestion, and optimized resource allocation. Strategic measures, including infrastructure development, policy reforms, and digital education, are essential for Poland’s healthcare modernization.