NESFAS and partners transform healthcare with clean energy in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 16, 2024

NESFAS in collaboration with the Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) and with the support of TATA Communications Ltd., provided solar electrification to 4 PHCs in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, namely- Jongksha PHC, Mawkynrew PHC, Jatah PHC (Mawkynrew Block) and Wahsherkhmut PHC (Pynursla Block) which was launched on the 16th of January, 2024 at Jongksha. Mr. Olet Kharsahnoh, Headman, Jongksha graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, along with representatives from NESFAS and the staff members from each PHC. 

The 4 health centres were provided with solar panels of 7.5 kilo watts each. Besides the solar equipment, various medical equipment were also provided, such as vaccine carriers, suction pumps, delivery beds, OT Lights, IV stands etc. A total of 4 engineers were involved in the implementation of this project, out of which one is from GHE, along with 3 other local-rural engineers from Garo Hills.

Dr. Lyndem, AYUSH Doctor, Jongksha PHC, gave the welcome address and was quoted as saying, “It is a blessing that we have received these medical equipment in our PHC. I would like to thank all our partners and it is a blessing for the 3 PHCs that fall under Mawkynrew Block. This will bring goodness and benefits to the community and for us to work diligently on what we have received.”

Mr. Pius Ranee, Executive Director, NESFAS, also reflected on the need for environment-friendly alternatives saying, “Without breaching the 1.5 degree threshold, FAO has recently come up with a Global roadmap and one of the domains is clean energy. So embracing clean energy sources is a vital part of stabilising climate change and achieving zero carbon emissions. The initiative “Climate resilient village programme” funded by Tata Communications Limited with GHE as technical partner is contributing toward achieving the Sustainable Development goals. Through this collaboration, we have been able to support 550 households with solar electrification and 11000 cookstoves. Also, till today, we have been able to support more than 12 PHCs with 24×7 power backup which is an essential part of our healthcare infrastructure.”

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Khrawborlang Wahlang, Adviser, NESFAS, was also quoted as saying, “I would like to thank the TATA communications for sponsoring the programme and also the GHE team for their technical support and also Mr Sunil Kumar, along with 3 local engineers from Garo Hills who have helped us with the electrification in all 4 PHCs. I thank all the doctors and PHC staff for their continuous support throughout the solar program in all PHCs. Moreover they have responded to our request by contributing 5000 rupees from each PHC for the transportation cost spent locally.”

Dr. R. Singh, M.O, Jatah PHC, shared his thoughts, saying, “I want to thank NESFAS so much, as they have satisfied the needs of the patients. Now if there is load shedding, we won’t be having any problem. In rural areas, without these equipments, we will not be able to help the people but with NESFAS initiative, we are really grateful and we will maintain the equipments very well.”

Dr. Mawlong, M.O, Mawkynrew PHC, was also quoted as saying, “We have many drawbacks in our block but we find that only NESFAS brings us hope. We still need more facilities but we are grateful that we have received solar energy because there has been a frequency of load shedding and solar energy is one of the best renewable energy sources. NESFAS has helped us a lot especially in our rural areas.”

Dr. Nongbri, M.O, Jongksha PHC, stated, in his speech saying, “ We have experienced a lot of shortcomings especially in our area but through NESFAS initiative it has brought us light. I have witnessed a lot of changes since the solar intervention in our PHC. We hope to make the best use of these facilities that we have received. It is upto us to maintain them well.”

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Mr. Olet Kharsahnoh, Headman Jongksha, said, “Once you find a true friend, you find a treasure. This gift that we received from NESFAS is a blessing in disguise. We will never forget the foundations and for giving us suggestions to move forward. These ideas will shine brighter as we exemplify this to other rural areas.”

Bah Shaiphar Dohling, Community Consultant, NESFAS, concluded the programme by porposing the vote of thanks and said, “We have received many projects which relate to solar power. It’s because of our teamwork and cooperation of the PHC staff that this initiative is able to see the light of the day. Going forward, we wish to work together and we are ready to lend our helping hands.”

Initiatives such as these indeed serve as a boon for the local population who are cut off from the main towns by far distances. As healthcare is an important sector in ensuring the welfare of the community, this upgradation will ensure that they will get the best of the available services, while also aligning with the goals of sustainable development.