by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, has inaugurated the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to provide solar power to over 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
According to Mutfwang, this initiative is aimed at strengthening healthcare service delivery, particularly in rural communities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the project’s Steering Committee, Governor Mutfwang explained that the initiative, supported by the European Union (EU), is designed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to PHCs, to enable them offer better healthcare services.
“This project is a testament to our administration’s commitment to functional PHCs and access to quality, affordable healthcare at the grassroots. When we assumed office, less than 5% of the over 1,000 PHCs in the state were operational.
“This prompted us to award contracts for the renovation of 82 PHCs. The NISHP project will significantly improve the energy situation in the healthcare sector across the state,” the governor stated.
He emphasized the critical role of electricity in healthcare, particularly for operating diagnostic machines, storing vaccines, and preserving medicines. Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the EU and NISHP for selecting Plateau State as a beneficiary, pledging the state’s full commitment to the successful implementation of the project.
Speaking earlier, Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy, EU-Nigeria, Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, noted that the project focuses on delivering clean and renewable energy solutions to improve healthcare. She commended the Plateau State Government for fulfilling its obligation by providing 30% counterpart funding for the initiative.
“Access to steady electricity is indispensable for effective healthcare delivery. Research indicates that only 40% of functional PHCs in Nigeria have regular power supply, which hinders their efficiency.
“The NISHP project aims to reverse this trend,” she explained, while also revealing plans for the construction of a hydro-solar power plant at Assop Falls, in Riyom LGA, to complement the solar energy supply.
On a contributory note, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, added that the project will establish solar mini-grids at 25 PHCs across the state with a view to positively impacting healthcare delivery and boosting economic activities.
“Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of 75 small businesses located within these facilities. For this phase, at least one PHC per LGA will benefit,” he said.
The nine-member Steering Committee for the project is chaired by Mr. Ponzing Gamde (Executive Director of the Plateau Energy Corporation), with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Clestus Shurkuk (serving as co-Chair), while the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel N. Jatau, is among other members.