DIMAPUR, Nagaland – Health staff across Mon district in Nagaland recently concluded a comprehensive four-day training program focused on the operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, alongside the implementation of the Saura e-Mitra digital platform. This initiative, held from June 24 to 27 at the District Hospital Mon conference hall and extending to Aboi and Tobu blocks, aims to significantly enhance the sustainability and reliability of healthcare service delivery in the region, particularly in off-grid and energy-deficient areas.
The training, jointly facilitated by the SELCO Foundation and the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), equipped 131 health professionals from 80 solar-powered health centers with essential technical skills. Participants learned critical aspects of solar panel inspection, preventive and corrective maintenance techniques, battery health checks, inverter system overviews, and the identification and troubleshooting of basic faults. Emphasis was also placed on safety protocols, routine cleaning practices, and effective load management to optimize system performance.
Dr. Aonungdoktoshi Ao, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Mon, expressed profound gratitude to the facilitating organizations during the inaugural address. He underscored the collaborative effort's pivotal role in strengthening grassroots healthcare infrastructure. "Such initiatives are crucial in ensuring our health centers remain functional and resilient, especially where grid connectivity is unreliable," Dr. Ao stated, highlighting the direct impact on patient care and operational efficiency.
A key component of the training involved the Saura e-Mitra App, a specialized digital platform designed to streamline the handling, tracking, and resolution of issues related to decentralized renewable energy systems in public healthcare facilities. This application is set to enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar installations by providing a robust mechanism for incident reporting and technical support, ultimately improving the quality and continuity of healthcare services.
This Mon district training is a vital part of a larger state-wide endeavor to bring all solar-powered health centers under a unified operational framework, ensuring consistent upkeep and long-term sustainability. Currently, Nagaland boasts 524 solar-powered health facilities, a testament to the combined efforts of the SELCO Foundation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Nagaland Health Project, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare. In Mon district alone, 60 facilities are solar-powered through the SELCO Foundation, with an additional 20 supported by the Nagaland Health Project. Moving forward, all health staff in solar-electrified health centers across the state are slated to undergo similar phase-wise training on basic operations and preventive maintenance, solidifying Nagaland's commitment to energy-secure and sustainable healthcare.