6 government health facilities in rural Karnataka equipped with solar energy for round the clock service

Six government health facilities in rural Karnataka were equipped with solar systems and energy-efficient medical equipment, enabling uninterrupted delivery of health services to more than two million people in areas where electricity supply was often unreliable. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Six government health facilities in rural Karnataka were equipped with solar systems and energy-efficient medical equipment, enabling uninterrupted delivery of health services to more than two million people in areas where electricity supply was often unreliable.

The initiative was implemented by SELCO Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Bengaluru, under Beyond2020, a global program launched by the Zayed Sustainability Prize of the United Arab Emirates.

Solar-powered facilities have been set up in remote parts of Karnataka, where inconsistent electricity has often affected the functioning of medical equipment, vaccine storage and diagnostic services.

Photovoltaic systems

According to the SELCO Foundation, each facility was equipped with solar photovoltaic systems capable of producing 2 to 15 kilowatts of electricity. The systems are supported by off-grid infrastructure and lithium-ion battery banks that can provide backup power for up to two days.

Mother and child health

The centers were equipped with energy-efficient medical equipment, including portable baby warmers, phototherapy units for newborns, fetal monitors, assisted ventilation systems and temperature-controlled vaccine carriers.

The facilities have digital diagnostic tools such as digital stethoscopes, spirometers, digital microscopes and telemedicine units that support diagnosis and treatment closer to patients’ homes.

The project includes a mobile health clinic run in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement to extend health services to remote communities.

Reducing reliance on remote hospitals

The SELCO Foundation said reliable electricity is essential for rural health facilities, especially to ensure uninterrupted maternal and newborn care, safe storage of vaccines and early diagnosis of diseases.

“Energy is the catalyst for better healthcare. By reengineering healthcare facilities through solar innovation, we can make quality healthcare accessible in remote communities,” said Harish Hande, CEO of SELCO Foundation. He said the organization hopes to expand similar models to other parts of the country.

India has more than 30,000 primary health centers and more than 1.5,000 sub-centres, many of which are located in rural and hard-to-reach areas where infrastructure problems often affect health care delivery.

Beyond2020 has implemented similar projects in several countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, focusing on improving access to healthcare, clean energy, water and food security through sustainable technologies.

Published – 23 Jul 2026 15:01 IST