GWERU: The Ministry of Health and Child Care in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),has taken up an iniatitive aimed at transforming healthcare deliver by instaling solar power systems at major hospital and clinics including Gweru Provincial hospital (GPH).
Over 1000 clinics and health centres in various districts have been connected under the ongoing. Solar for Health (SH4F) initiative, with healthcare facilities like Mpilo Central Hospital and the United Bulawayo Hospitals, set to be connected by June this year.
The solar-power project at GPH is expected to generate 140kva electricity which will be used at the hospital. Speaking on the success of the projects recently, UNDP Resident Representative in Zimbabwe Dr Ayodele Odusola lauded the collaborative effort.
The Solar for Health initiative in Zimbabwe is the largest in the world because the initiative as of last month touched over 100 clinics and health facilities in this country and we are in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
We strongly believe that this will help the country meet the energy gap while improving health service delivery.” Representatives from health facilities expressed their enthusiasm for the project’s transformative impact.
The initiative is going to have sustainable power and ensure all machines are running 24/7 as this means all clinical services are not going to be interrupted. It is going to cut the electricity bill and that means that the cost will be channeled towards clinical services.
Consistent electricity will revolutionize hospital operations, enabling uninterrupted functionality of critical equipment, improved lighting, and enhanced patient care. Procedures that were previously hampered by power cuts can now proceed seamlessly, day or night.
The Solar for Health initiative has opened up doors for skills transfer, creating local employment opportunities. By embracing renewable energy, the government is fostering environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels in line with the country’s commitment to a greener future.
