Dhaka:The government of Bangladesh is taking steps to make its health sector a leader in solar power adoption, aiming to ensure continuous electricity supply at healthcare facilities nationwide, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. MA Muhit announced.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Muhit emphasized the importance of uninterrupted electricity in the health sector, describing it as an essential necessity linked to health security. He made these comments during a panel discussion titled "Setting an Example in Expanding Rooftop Solar Power in Public Sector Buildings" at the Bangladesh Solar Expo held at the Bangladesh China Friendship International Conference Center.
Dr. Muhit revealed that Bangladesh has approximately 15,000 healthcare centers, including district hospitals, medical colleges, and specialized institutions, which present significant potential for rooftop solar installations. He stressed the government's commitment to reducing reliance on diesel and promoting solar power to ensure the efficient operation of critical health services such as operating theatres, emergency services, intensive care units, and vaccine cold chains. Structural and energy audits of all health infrastructure are expected to be completed within six months to a year.
In addition, Dr. Muhit encouraged private sector investment in hospitals, highlighting the sector's reliable payment opportunities, as hospitals cannot afford to close. However, he noted that investors need to ensure regular maintenance, certified equipment, and adequate security.
Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin added that a list of educational institutions suitable for solar installations will be compiled within six months, with solar projects already underway in over 30 public universities. Meanwhile, Md. Hasan Zafir Tuhin, Chairman of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority, stated that around 17,000 irrigation pumps in the Barind region will be incorporated into a solar network within a year, potentially contributing 450-800 megawatts to the national grid during idle periods.
Md. Enamul Karim Pavel, Head of Renewable Energy at Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), noted that government building rooftops could generate approximately 2,000 megawatts of solar power. The panel discussion was organized by the Power Division and IDCOL, and moderated by Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board Chairman Major General Md Mahbubul Haque.