Madina Hospital switches on to solar power

Faced with rising energy prices and frequent electricity blackouts, hospitals and medical clinics in Somalia’s capital city Mogadishu are turning to solar energy to provide life-saving power.
Some medical institutions, concerned the electric grid is becoming increasingly unreliable and costly, are using solar installations to provide backup or as the principal power source for some machines.
For the first time in history, solar powered lamps have been installed and the hospital also uses a rechargeable battery to store solar power as a backup for mains electricity.
Speaking at well organized ceremony, director of Madina Hospital, Mohamed Yussuf said that the illuminating project implemented by Norway government will help the hospital all its machines save and will not be affected if the electricity goes off.
“If the electricity goes off right now, the machines may be affected. If a patient is on life support, [the machines] just go off, hence the need for solar as a backup,” he said.
“The most important thing for any hospital or clinic is the welfare of the patient. We have to offer them the best service available … Even when there is a blackout, we can always have power,” he added
Mr. Reb-bron Hens speaking on behalf Norway Government said that Norway is always ready to help and support Somali people and it will continue implementing such projects.
“It is our pleasure to implement such projects as we are collaborating with Somali government, we are always here to help this nation” he said.