Shajapur district hospital to run on solar power

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar district hospital in Shajapur is set to cut monthly power bills by about 30% with an emission-free alternative, i.e by installing a 20 kilowatt solar unit to run services during daytime.

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar district hospital in Shajapur is set to cut monthly power bills by about 30% with an emission-free alternative, i.e by installing a 20 kilowatt solar unit to run services during daytime.

The Madhya Pradesh Energy Development Corporation will spend Rs 37 lakh to install the solar unit at the hospital. (Photo for representation)

The Madhya Pradesh Energy Development Corporation (MPEDC) will spend Rs 37 lakh to install the solar unit which will supply electricity also for surgical requirements at the hospital. MPEDC president Virendra Singh Sisodiya said the decision was taken in view of the high power consumption by government hospitals which treat thousands daily.

“The hospitals will not be completely dependent on solar power as supply via power distribution company will continue. During daytime, solar panels will provide electricity and charge up a battery enough for providing power supply for about eight hours in case of sudden blackouts,” Sisodiya added.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Shajapur chief medical and health officer Dr Anusuiya Gawali said as part of promoting non-conventional energy, governments would provide funds to install solar power equipment with a main objective to reduce pressure on conventional sources of energy.

“Currently, the hospital caters to around 500 patients daily and has six general wards, one out patient department and two operation theatres. Once the hospital gets solar power, it will help cut power consumption by 25 to 30 percent,” Gawali said.

“Initially, we are targeting to run electrical appliances at general wards on solar energy and will expand power consumption once we get the trauma centre built by December-end,” Gawali added.