NESFAS, partnering with Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE), has provided solar electrification to four Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in – Jongksha, Mawkynrew and Jatah centres under Mawkynrew block and Wahsherkhmut under Pynursla block.
The solar electrification initiative was as implemented under the Climate Resilient Village Program funded by TATA Communication’s corporate social responsibility arm and was launched at Jongksha on January 16.
The four 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.
Four engineers were involved in the implementation of this project, out of which one is from GHE, along with three other local-rural engineers from Garo Hills.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, headman of Joksha Olet Kharsahnoh 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.”
NESFAS executive director Pius Ranee spoke on the need for environment-friendly alternatives. “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,” he said.
He informed that through collaborative efforts NESFAS has supported 550 households with solar electrification and 11000 cook stoves. Till date, the society has supported more than 12 PHCs with 24×7 power backup, which is an essential part of our healthcare infrastructure, he added.
Others who spoke were AYUSH Doctor of Jongksha PHC Dr. Lyndem, medical officers of the PHCs Dr. R. Singh, Dr. Mawlong, Dr. Nongbri, NESFAS adviser Khrawborlang Wahlang and community consultant Shaiphar Dohling.
