By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby has assured the public of restoring electricity power at the various public hospitals, in the wake of the recent irregular supply of power in various parts of the country.
A press release from the minister’s office dated 24th April 2024 said they are aware of the current electricity challenges faced by hospitals.
“Due to the nationwide electricity difficulties, the impact has been felt even in health facilities. To fill this gap, the hospitals have traditionally relied on diesel-powered generators, which are expensive to turn and can account for over 20% of hospital expenditure,” the release further notes.
It was also stated that to address the power outages the MoH is in “urgent” discussions with the Ministry of Energy to prioritize energy supply to all major government hospitals by installing dedicated power lines to these facilities. Also, resource mobilization and advocacy to complete solar plant installation for all public health facilities across the country are being effected as well as operational mechanisms for the solar plant installations in hospitals to ensure appropriate use for quality health care service delivery.
The ministry in its statement says it has worked with partners the previous year to address the problem of power outages in health facilities, and provided alternative solar. “Solar power plants have been installed at 6 major government hospitals across the country, with 11 more to be installed by the end of this year,” and 300 peripheral health units will have solar plants installed by the end of 2024.
It goes on to recall that the ministry and its partners had established 300kw solar solutions at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) and Ola During Children’s Hospital (ODCH) in Freetown which was aimed at supplementing energy solutions of the national power grid, but that the plant is not enough to supply both hospitals. “If sufficiently used, the solar plant can cover electricity needs at the hospital during outages, especially for life-saving emergencies,” it notes.
It was also stated that MoH has facilitated an engagement with solar experts and that the PCMH leadership will ensure the efficient use of solar power to “maximize” coverage during power outages, with a backup generator and fuel supply made available in the event both the solar power and national grid supplies are off.
The press statement ends with the Health Ministry expressing condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives amidst the current electricity problem.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (26/04/24)
