Sat Dec 06 04:50:54 UTC 2025: Karnataka Leads India in Solarizing Healthcare, Saving Millions
Bengaluru – Karnataka has become the first state in India to install solar power units in a large number of government health facilities. Under the ‘Saura Swasthya’ scheme, the state has equipped 3,600 health centers with solar power, achieving significant cost savings and bolstering rural healthcare.
The project, launched in November 2024 and supported by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, aims to solarize 5,000 health facilities by 2026. These include sub-centers, Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Urban PHCs, Community Health Centers (CHCs), and taluk hospitals. The solar power units vary in capacity, ranging from 0.25 kW to 1 kW for sub-centers and up to 10 kW for taluk hospitals.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized that the initiative ensures 24/7 power availability, crucial for critical equipment and services. The state anticipates annual savings of approximately ₹50 lakh, totaling over ₹100 crore in 10 years, by reducing reliance on grid power and diesel generators.
SELCO Foundation, the implementing partner, is focusing on the long-term functionality of the solar systems through innovative operation and maintenance (O&M) strategies. Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS) and a ‘Saura e-Mitra’ mobile application enable real-time tracking and prompt maintenance support.
SELCO Foundation director Huda Jaffer highlighted the establishment of a dedicated Solar O&M Learning Centre in Raichur, aimed at building local technical capacity. This initiative reduces electricity costs, lowers emissions, and strengthens uninterrupted healthcare services.
First Piper 