RAICHUR, India —In Raichur, a historic town in southern India, the Government Maternity Hospital has found a solution to the frequent power cuts that often leave newborns and their mothers without electricity. By installing solar panels on the hospital's rooftop a year ago, they now have a reliable source of power that keeps the lights on, ensures patient comfort, and maintains the proper storage conditions for vaccines and medicines.
Previously, the hospital relied on a diesel generator for backup power, but this emitted harmful gases and smoke near the newborns. It also meant using flashlights during blackouts, which occurred during approximately 600 births per year. However, with the implementation of solar power, these challenges have been overcome.
Martha Jones, a senior nurse with extensive experience in delivering babies, expressed her astonishment at the consistent and uninterrupted power supply provided by solar energy. The hospital staff and patients no longer have to worry about power cuts, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for everyone involved.
Decentralized renewable energy, particularly solar power, is playing a crucial role in delivering modern healthcare in semi-urban and rural areas of India and other developing countries with unreliable power grids. This renewable energy source is becoming increasingly essential, especially in regions experiencing extreme heat and weather conditions due to climate change. Raichur, for instance, frequently faces scorching temperatures reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) during the hottest months.
Government Maternity Hospital, a basic healthcare facility catering to those who cannot afford private healthcare, is among 251 medical facilities in the Raichur district that have adopted rooftop solar power. This initiative is led by Selco Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Bengaluru. Since 2017, Selco Foundation has raised funds from Indian and international corporations and collaborated with local government authorities to implement these solar projects.
In rural and semi-urban areas of India, decentralized renewable energy, particularly solar power, is playing a crucial role in delivering modern healthcare amidst unreliable power grids. The Government Maternity Hospital in Raichur is one of many medical facilities benefiting from rooftop solar installations coordinated by the Selco Foundation.
These installations, costing around $8,500 for public healthcare centers and $2,000 for smaller clinics, provide constant electricity and reduce reliance on polluting diesel generators. Patients at Government Maternity Hospital appreciate the free services and are unaware of the hospital's solar power usage. Transitioning healthcare facilities to clean energy helps reduce emissions in a sector that contributes significantly to global emissions. This aligns with India's goal of installing 450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, with solar energy playing a pivotal role in achieving that target.
In rural and semi-urban areas of India, decentralized renewable energy, particularly solar power, is playing a crucial role in delivering modern healthcare amidst unreliable power grids. The Government Maternity Hospital in Raichur is one of many medical facilities benefiting from rooftop solar installations coordinated by the Selco Foundation.
These installations, costing around $8,500 for public healthcare centers and $2,000 for smaller clinics, provide constant electricity and reduce reliance on polluting diesel generators. Patients at Government Maternity Hospital appreciate the free services and are unaware of the hospital's solar power usage.
Transitioning healthcare facilities to clean energy helps reduce emissions in a sector that contributes significantly to global emissions. This aligns with India's goal of installing 450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, with solar energy playing a pivotal role in achieving that target.
In rural and semi-urban areas of India, decentralized renewable energy, particularly solar power, is playing a crucial role in delivering modern healthcare amidst unreliable power grids. The Government Maternity Hospital in Raichur is one of many medical facilities benefiting from rooftop solar installations coordinated by the Selco Foundation.
These installations, costing around $8,500 for public healthcare centers and $2,000 for smaller clinics, provide constant electricity and reduce reliance on polluting diesel generators. Patients at Government Maternity Hospital appreciate the free services and are unaware of the hospital's solar power usage. Transitioning healthcare facilities to clean energy helps reduce emissions in a sector that contributes significantly to global emissions. This aligns with India's goal of installing 450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, with solar energy playing a pivotal role in achieving that target.
India has faced challenges in meeting its target of 40 gigawatts of rooftop solar installations due to issues in the supply chain and taxes on imported components. The country has emphasized the need for financial support from developed nations and multilateral development banks to achieve its climate goals.
Apart from providing reliable electricity, rooftop solar installations have helped medical facilities reduce costs. For instance, a public health center in Zaheerabad reported a 50% decrease in electricity expenses since installing solar panels. This cost reduction is significant in a country where healthcare spending is relatively low, and many hospitals and clinics face financial constraints.