The Department of Health is collaborating with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to conduct a feasibility assessment on the deployment of solar panels in health institutions’ key areas.
According to a statement issued by the government on Monday, the measure is part of the energy mix to alleviate the effects of load shedding and overworked hospital backup generators.
This follows the announcement by the Health Minister, Dr. Joe Phaahla, of the government’s intention to protect public health facilities from catastrophic power outages.
“The Department of Health is on the right track with its efforts to exclude priority hospitals from load shedding as part of preparations to minimize disruptions to the provision of important health services during power outages,” said the statement.
Since then, the department and Eskom have executed the long-awaited exemption of North West hospitals, including Taung Hospital and Ganyesa Hospital, increasing the total number of exempted hospitals from 72 to 77.
“This is a work in progress, and the inclusion of North West hospitals is part of Dr. Joe Phaahla’s resolve that no province will be left behind,” the department stated.
Although, due to technical difficulties, it will take time for some health facilities to be exempted.
The department stated that it will keep the public informed of the status of hospital exclusions around the nation.
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