Power outages and nights without electricity caused by faulty generators are now a thing of the past following the completion of a new solar power system at the Lomaloma Subdivisional Hospital on Vanuabalavu.
The solar system is the largest of its kind to be installed in a healthcare setting in Fiji.
The Ministry of Health says given the remote location of the health facility, the 24/7 power supply provided by the new solar system will undoubtedly transform healthcare delivery on the island, including its nursing stations and health centres.
Acting Subdivisional Medical Officer Lomaloma, Dr Krishan Prasad says the new system will be a significant help to doctors, nurses, and patients who present to the facility at night during emergencies.
He says it will reduce reliance on oxygen cylinders, as they can now utilise oxygen concentrator machines to provide oxygen and nebulisation to patients in need.
Dr Prasad adds that it will also help to reduce carbon emissions from the diesel generator.
A scoping exercise for the project was carried out by CBS Power Solutions and the Biomedical team within the Ministry of Health.
A final scope was completed by the CBS team in June, and project implementation began a few weeks ago.
The project was funded under the Manaaki grant by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Fiji Oxygen Programme, a partner of Cure Kids Fiji, which has a long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
This project is being described as a blessing for the people of Northern Lau, ensuring reliable and sustainable energy for improved healthcare delivery.
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