State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit today said the government aims to make the health sector a leading example in adopting solar power to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at healthcare facilities across the country, says BSS report.
“Uninterrupted electricity supply in the health sector is not merely a general service but an essential necessity directly linked to health security,” he said.
The state minister came up with the remarks while speaking at a panel discussion titled “Setting an Example in Expanding Rooftop Solar Power in Public Sector Buildings” at the Bangladesh Solar Expo at Bangladesh China Friendship International Conference Center.
Dr Muhit said the country has around 15,000 healthcare centres, alongside district hospitals, medical colleges and specialised institutions, offering significant potential for rooftop solar installations.
He said the government is determined to reduce dependence on diesel and use environment-friendly solar power to ensure the smooth operation of operating theatres, emergency services, intensive care units and vaccine cold chains.
Structural and energy audits of all health infrastructure will be completed within the next six months to one year, he added.
Calling on private-sector entrepreneurs to invest in hospitals, the state minister said the sector offers reliable payment opportunities as hospitals cannot remain closed.
However, investors must ensure regular maintenance, certified equipment and adequate security, he added.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin said a list of educational institutions suitable for solar installations would be prepared within six months.
Solar projects are already at different implementation stages in more than 30 public universities, he said.
Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) Chairman Md. Hasan Zafir Tuhin said around 17,000 irrigation pumps in the Barind region would be brought under a solar network within a year, potentially generating 450-800 megawatts for the national grid during idle periods.
Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)’s Head of Renewable Energy Md. Enamul Karim Pavel said government building rooftops could generate around 2,000 megawatts of solar power.
The discussion was jointly organised by the Power Division and IDCOL and moderated by Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board Chairman Major General Md Mahbubul Haque.