The Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare is intensifying its strategy to leverage solar energy as a key component to enhance healthcare services in rural locales.
In light of the urgent challenges posed by climate change, sustainable practices are becoming increasingly crucial. Solar energy, as a clean, renewable source that releases no detrimental greenhouse gases, promises to meet up to 80% of energy requirements without discharging chemical pollutants. In alignment with this, the Karnataka government, alongside the SELCO Foundation, has launched the ‘Saura Swasthya’ initiative, which aims to deploy solar power to 5,000 healthcare facilities throughout the state. This initiative is anticipated to benefit over 30 million residents in rural areas.
This advancement highlights how sustainable power can significantly bolster healthcare systems and service delivery. The Saura Swasthya initiative is designed to provide round-the-clock healthcare services and reduce electricity expenses for hospitals, according to Health and Family Welfare Minister Gundu Rao.
Harish Hande, CEO and founder of SELCO Foundation, underscored the program’s global significance, expressing an intent to collaborate with various Indian states and other nations to ensure decentralized renewable energy facilitates affordable healthcare access for all citizens.
The health department has reported that over 1,152 health centers are now powered by solar energy, with the Raichur district in northern Karnataka as the first in the state with all its facilities completely solar-operated.
Solar energy has slashed electricity costs for health centers by up to 70%, allowing state government savings of more than Rs. 100 crore over the coming decade. All facilities have eliminated reliance on costly diesel generators.
According to government officials, consistent energy supply empowers health workers, predominantly women, to deliver safer and more efficient care. Patients also save on travel expenses and transportation time, minimizing income loss.
“Besides establishing solar energy infrastructure in health facilities under the Saura Swasthya program, we are also setting up systems for ownership, management, and routine maintenance of the energy systems and appliances,” said Minister Rao.