Bringing Solar Power To Remote Hospitals Is Saving Lives

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

One startup working in Nepal learned that delivering high-quality health care often means having to innovate in unexpected ways–such as building new energy systems.

Founded by three Yale University Medical School students, Possible is a nonprofit health care company that runs medical facilities in remote Nepal. These include the 25-bedBayalpata Hospital, in Anchham, a series of local clinics, and a small army of community health care workers.

Part of its model revolves around importing Western standards of medicine and management, including modern equipment and electronic systems for patient records, HR and accounting. But in one aspect Possible (previously Nyaya Health) found itself relying on local infrastructure–energy–which was causing problems. Anchham’s grid works intermittently, if at all, and most people fend for themselves with diesel-powered generators. Diesel is relatively expensive and needs to be brought in from faraway. Anchham is a 14-hour drive from the nearest airport.

Source: Fast CoExist (link opens in a new window)

Categories
Energy, Environment, Health Care
Tags
solar