In a major step toward strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, the Arunachal Pradesh government has signed two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with The Hans Foundation (THF) and SELCO Foundation. The agreements, formalized on March 10, aim to enhance health services in remote areas by improving infrastructure and ensuring reliable power supply in health facilities across the state. The first MoU, signed with The Hans Foundation, focuses on upgrading Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across Arunachal Pradesh. Under this initiative, 14 HWCs and 6 PHCs will be upgraded to enhance healthcare delivery in underserved regions. THF will provide technical and operational support to improve access to primary healthcare, ensuring that medical services reach even the most remote communities. Health & Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This partnership is a crucial step toward achieving universal health coverage in Arunachal Pradesh. The Hans Foundation’s support will strengthen our healthcare system and help us reach every corner of the state.”
Crucially, the initiative is fully funded by The Hans Foundation, requiring no financial contribution from the state government. It will also engage local manpower and resources, boosting economic opportunities while strengthening the health sector. In another groundbreaking agreement, the SELCO Foundation has committed to electrifying 572 health centres using solar energy solutions. Initially, around 380–390 centres will be powered by Decentralized Renewable Energy (solar) systems, ensuring uninterrupted power supply in remote and hilly regions where electricity shortages often disrupt medical services. “These health centres serve as the first point of care for communities living in difficult-to-reach areas. Reliable electricity will guarantee essential medical services such as maternal care, immunization, and diagnostics,” Minister Wahge stated.
Funded by an INR 18 crore investment from the IKEA Foundation (Netherlands) and other partners, the project is expected to directly benefit 1.2 million people and improve working conditions for 3,000 healthcare professionals. The solar-powered infrastructure will also help reduce vaccine and medicine spoilage, lower equipment costs, and enhance overall healthcare efficiency. Beyond improving healthcare, the solar initiative aligns with Arunachal Pradesh’s sustainability and climate resilience goals. By adding 1,126 KWp of solar energy capacity, the project is projected to mitigate 17,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions over the next two decades, contributing to India’s Net Zero commitments. Minister Wahge highlighted the initiative’s role in strengthening the state’s resilience against climate risks, stating, “Landslides and heavy rains often disrupt power supply at critical times. This initiative ensures uninterrupted electricity, making our healthcare infrastructure more resilient.” Expressing gratitude to both NGOs, Minister Wahge assured full government support for these initiatives and encouraged continued collaboration to transform Arunachal Pradesh’s healthcare landscape.
