The Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai has decided to use solar energy as an alternative energy source. The work to set-up solar panels on the hospital is already underway and these panels will be installed in a phased manner at critical locations of the building, said a Business Line report.
The dean of the hospital, N. Mohan, has said that the hospital falls in line with the government’s push for an exclusive Solar Energy Policy 2012, which was unveiled earlier in October. “We will start by installing solar water heaters in some wards. The plan is ready and will be implemented soon,” he added.
The heaters will be put in obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatric wards and in the intensive care units. After seeing the results, the proposal will be extended to general medicine and other departments where the in-patient strength is greater.
The hospital is also looking to use solar-powered street lights for its campus. The income generated through the reimbursement coming from the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme would be used for painting and sanitation purposes. Proposals in this regard would be submitted to the Directorate of Medical Education and the district administration.
