Training on solar PV systems and Saura e-Mitra held in Phek, Kiphire 

DIMAPUR — A three-day training on operations and maintenance of solar PV systems and Saura e-Mitra was conducted from August 5 to the 7th at District Hospital conference hall, Kiphire, Pungro CHC and Pfutsero CHC, respectively.

In Kiphire district, the training, held on August 5 and 6, was attended by Dr. Dheni Thonger, Epidemiologist IDSP; Limawati DPM, and staffs from Kiphire CMO office and Pungro CHC. A total of 39 participants attended the training, an update stated.

On August 7, the training at Pfutsero CHC was held in the presence of Deputy CMO of Phek, Dr. Chekhusie; Dr. Rebecca DVBO Phek; Dr. Lima, Epidemiologist (IDSP); Dr. Medotsei-o, SMO of Pfutsero CHC; Dr. Vepfuhu Kezo Medical Officer, Pfutsero CHC; and staffs from CMO office and Pfutsero CHC. The training was jointly facilitated by SELCO Foundation and National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH).

Dr. Thomas Keppen, Deputy Director of Health & Family Welfare department, also attended the operations and maintenance training as a state monitor.

In his address, Dr. Keppen emphasised the critical role of reliable solar power in ensuring the smooth operation of health facilities. He urged participants to take the training seriously, engage actively, and share their experiences.

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Stressing the importance of ownership, he noted that such initiatives not only enhance service delivery but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of health systems.

In his keynote address, Dr. Chekhusie, Deputy CMO, expressed gratitude to the National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health and SELCO Foundation for facilitating the training, highlighting the crucial role of such partnerships in strengthening health systems at the grassroots level.

The training aimed to equip the health staffs with essential knowledge and skills to operate and maintain the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed in their respective health facilities.

The comprehensive training programme included hands-on coverage of solar panel inspection, maintenance techniques, battery health, inverter systems, fault troubleshooting, and safety protocols.

Participants were also trained on routine cleaning practices, load management, proper documentation, and escalation mechanisms for technical support.

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Emphasis was placed on understanding daily operational indicators and how timely maintenance can directly impact the functionality of health centres, especially in off-grid and energy-deficient areas.

Further, the training included the Saura e-Mitra App, which is designed to effectively handle, track and resolve issues related to decentralised renewable energy system for public healthcare.

“This platform ensures prompt and efficient management of issues, enhancing reliability and sustainability. Saura e-Mitra will streamline incident reporting and resolution processes, enhance the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy products in healthcare settings and ultimately improve the quality of healthcare services provided.

As part of the larger state initiative, plans are now underway to bring all solar-powered health centres under a single operational framework. This will ensure consistent upkeep and sustainability of these systems.

“Moving forward, all health staffs working in solar-electrified health centres across all the districts will undergo phase-wise training on basic operations and preventive maintenance of the systems,” the update stated.

Imli Imchen facilitated the training, which was attended by 127 health staffs from 66 solar-powered health centres in Phek district.