Six rural Karnataka health facilities get solar power for uninterrupted service

Energy-efficient medical devices installed, including portable baby warmers, phototherapy units, foetal monitors, assisted ventilation systems, and temperature-controlled vaccine carriers

Published: July 23, 2026 — 03:01 pm IST | Bengaluru Source: The Hindu Bureau

Six government health facilities in rural Karnataka have been equipped with solar power systems and energy-efficient medical equipment, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for more than two lakh people in areas where electricity supply has often been unreliable.

The initiative was implemented by SELCO Foundation, a Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation, under Beyond2020, a global programme launched by the UAE’s Zayed Sustainability Prize.

The solar-powered facilities are located in remote parts of Karnataka, where inconsistent electricity has frequently disrupted the functioning of medical equipment, vaccine storage, and diagnostic services.

Photovoltaic Systems

According to SELCO Foundation, each facility has been fitted with solar photovoltaic systems capable of generating between 2 and 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.

Maternal and Child Health

The centres have been equipped with energy-efficient medical devices, including:

• Portable baby warmers
• Phototherapy units for newborns
• Foetal monitors
• Assisted ventilation systems
• Vaccine carriers with temperature control

The facilities also feature digital diagnostic tools, such as:

• Digital stethoscopes
• Spirometers
• Digital microscopes
• Telemedicine units

These tools support diagnosis and treatment closer to patients’ homes.

Mobile Health Clinic

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

Reducing Dependence on Distant Hospitals

SELCO Foundation stated that reliable electricity is critical for rural health facilities, particularly in ensuring uninterrupted maternal and neonatal care, safe vaccine storage, and timely diagnosis of illnesses.

“Energy is a catalyst for better healthcare. By redesigning health facilities through solar innovation, we can make quality healthcare accessible in remote communities.” — Harish Hande, Chief Executive Officer, SELCO Foundation

Hande said the organisation hopes to expand similar models to other parts of the country.

Broader Context

India has more than 30,000 Primary Health Centres and over 1.5 lakh sub-centres, many of them located in rural and difficult-to-access areas where infrastructure challenges often affect healthcare delivery.

The Beyond2020 programme 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.