The UAE has provided solar-powered health centres across India to enable more than 200,000 people to access the health care they need, reports BritPanorama.
Six solar-powered health centres have been established in the south-western state of Karnataka, as announced by state news agency Wam on Tuesday. These facilities cater to remote communities with limited access to electricity, allowing patients to receive essential health services closer to home without long journeys to larger urban centres.
The initiative was implemented by the Selco Foundation as part of the Zayed Sustainability Prize’s Beyond2020 programme. This India-based foundation focuses on using sustainable energy to alleviate poverty and promote environmental sustainability.
“Through Beyond2020, the UAE continues to champion solutions that improve lives, strengthen resilience, and advance global cooperation,” said Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention. He emphasised the shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and expanding access to essential healthcare services.
Sustainable solutions
The Beyond2020 scheme aims to address urgent challenges faced by vulnerable communities globally and is supported by local and international governments. India boasts over 30,000 primary health centres and 150,000 sub-centres, many located in remote areas where healthcare access is often hindered by infrastructure challenges, leading to longer travel distances and increased out-of-pocket expenses.
The newly established solar-powered facilities provide support for neonatal and maternal care, equipped with portable baby warmers, phototherapy units, and essential medical devices like foetal monitors and assisted ventilation.
“Energy is a catalyst for better health care,” stated Harish Hande, chief executive of the Selco Foundation, a previous winner of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. He underlined the importance of redesigning health facilities through solar innovation to make care accessible and aspirational, ultimately bringing quality services to the most remote communities.
Previous Beyond2020 projects have included initiatives providing clean, safe drinking water to 10,000 people in rural Vietnam and access to safe drinking water for 9,000 individuals in Ethiopia, highlighting the scheme’s commitment to tackling health challenges.
Beyond2020 also addresses water and food insecurity, and energy challenges in countries like Nepal, Sudan, Uganda, Jordan, Egypt, Cambodia, Madagascar, and the Philippines.
Established in 2008 in honour of the humanitarian legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Sustainability Prize recognises organisations that focus on projects across six categories: climate action, health, food, energy, water, and global high schools. This year, the prize has attracted over 10,000 entries from 177 countries, reflecting its growing significance on the international stage.
The ongoing development of solar-powered healthcare solutions highlights a pragmatic approach to addressing pressing social issues, fostering a future where sustainable energy drives improved health outcomes.
