Hospitals are dependent hugely on life saving equipment – from small to state-of-the art to help care for patients. All this equipment relies on power, making energy supply very important for hospital staff and patients. Inconsistency in supply can damage expensive medical equipment or delay treatments, which can inversely impact patient care.
Solar Switch Mwanza
Aga Khan Health Services
Tanzania, Aga Khan Hospital, Mwanza
The Aga Khan Medical Centre, Mwanza (AKMC,M), which recently expanded and upgraded to a hospital level, suffers frequent power outages every month that sometimes last for up to eight hours. This not only impacts patient care, but results in additional and excessive use of fossil fuels to run the generators for longer periods. On average, the Centre uses and burns approximately 1,440 litres of diesel which costs over €1000 every month.
The project proposes installation of solar panels to generate electricity for the hospital. Consistent supply will prevent damage to equipment and disruption of services for patients, protect the environment and reduce energy costs. The project will help the Aga Khan Hospital, Mwanza become more productive and efficient, which has measurable and important positive impacts on staff and patients and the community.
Expected outputs:
- Generate reliable, sustainable and clean energy to maintain access to high standard of care for patients
- Reduction of the energy costs (electricity and diesel)
Status May 2021:
- Set up of a Steering committee
- Structure Reinforcement works completed
- Successfully installation of the solar system
- Training conducted
- Providing a better healthcare to 1 million users per year
- Execution rate: 100%
