In a significant milestone towards strengthening healthcare delivery in Mizoram, 331 decentralized solar energy systems have been formally handed over to the Health & Family Welfare Department by the SELCO Foundation. This initiative, part of the first phase of a broader program, has electrified 331 out of the state’s 438 health centres, with the remaining centres to be addressed in the next phase.
Launched in March 2023, the ‘Energy for Health’ program is a collaborative effort between the Health & Family Welfare Department and the SELCO Foundation to solar power all primary health facilities across Mizoram. These facilities, spread across 11 districts, include Sub Centers (SCs), Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs), and Primary Health Centers (PHCs), serving as the first point of care for communities in the state’s remote and hilly regions.
With nearly INR 20 crores invested, supported by the IKEA Foundation of the Netherlands, Ashraya Hastha Trust, Bangalore, and LIC Housing Finance Limited CSR, this upgrade aims to impact the lives of 1.2 million people. It ensures reliable lighting, cooling, and critical services such as maternal and childcare, immunization, and diagnostics. Additionally, it improves working conditions for over 2,400 health staff in these remote facilities and helps the department reduce energy and equipment costs, preventing vaccine and resource wastage.
The use of solar technology not only provides uninterrupted power for medical services but also contributes to Mizoram’s energy independence and climate change mitigation. The program has added over 690 KWp of solar energy capacity, reducing CO2 emissions by 9,100 tonnes over 20 years and supporting India’s Net Zero goals. It also enhances the resilience of these health facilities to climate risks like landslides and heavy rains that could otherwise disrupt electricity and healthcare services.
The handover ceremony, held at the office of Dr. Eric Zomawia, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, featured representatives from the Government of Mizoram and the SELCO Foundation. It symbolized a collaborative effort to promote climate-resilient infrastructure while strengthening Mizoram’s healthcare services.
Dr. Harish Hande, CEO of the SELCO Foundation, commended the Government of Mizoram for their partnership in advancing sustainable energy to achieve other Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized that “enabling climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure is a key priority to ensuring the health and wellbeing of the people of Mizoram.”
Health Minister Ms. Lalrinpuii highlighted the project’s importance in transforming health outcomes for Mizoram’s population. She noted, “Solarization of health facilities aligns with our vision to improve institutional deliveries, vaccination, and provide the best care for the people of Mizoram.”
Lalnuntluanga Colney, Lead at SELCO Mizoram, underscored the power of partnerships in ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives. The successful handover exemplifies the impact of collaboration between the government, local energy enterprises, NGOs, health staff, and community members in driving lasting change for Mizoram’s people.
Also Read: Manipur: Naga council bars Congress MP, two others for 7 years