Health staff across seven districts in Nagaland receive training on solar PV systems and the Saura e-Mitra app.
DIMAPUR — A two-week training programme on the operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and the Saura e-Mitra application was conducted across seven districts from October 6 to the 14th.
The training covered Kohima, Dimapur, Zunheboto, Tseminyu, Longleng, Wokha, and Peren, and was jointly facilitated by the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) and Selco Foundation.
According to an update it was held in the presence of district officials led by chief medical officers (CMOs), deputy chief medical officers, district surveillance officers, district pharmacy officers, the IDSP team, and staff from CMO offices and various health centres.
A total of 487 healthcare staff attended the sessions across the seven districts, covering 50 solar-powered health centres in Dimapur, 35 in Kohima, 16 in Longleng, 25 in Peren, 12 in Tseminyu, 39 in Wokha, and 52 in Zunheboto.
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The initiative aimed to equip health staff with skills to operate and maintain solar PV systems installed in their facilities. Topics covered included solar panel inspection, preventive and corrective maintenance techniques, battery health checks, inverter system overviews, fault troubleshooting, safety protocols, routine cleaning practices, load management, documentation, and technical support escalation mechanisms. Focus was also given to understanding operational indicators and timely maintenance to ensure uninterrupted functionality in off-grid and energy-deficient areas.
Participants were also trained on the Saura e-Mitra application, designed to track and resolve issues related to decentralised renewable energy systems in public healthcare facilities to streamline incident reporting and improve service delivery.
During the sessions, Rosie from SELCO Foundation Nagaland highlighted the importance of local ownership and accountability among health staff in maintaining solar installations.
At present, 525 health facilities across the state have been solar powered through the combined efforts of the SELCO Foundation, UNDP, and the Nagaland Health Project in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare. A total of 1,033 staff across all solar-powered health centres have been trained on routine maintenance.