Karnataka powers 3,500 public health facilities with solar energy, targets 5,000 installations next year

A large-scale solar push under the Saura Swasthya scheme is cutting electricity costs by up to 80% and securing uninterrupted healthcare across rural Karnataka.

Karnataka’s public healthcare network is rapidly transitioning to renewable energy as the Saura Swasthya scheme brings solar power to nearly 3,500 government hospitals and health centres across the state. The initiative is reshaping healthcare delivery, especially in rural and power-deficit regions.

In the past year alone, more than 1,000 sub-centres, 107 taluk hospitals, and 50 primary health centres have partially shifted to solar energy. These facilities are already reporting electricity bill reductions of up to 80%, easing financial pressure on institutions that often struggle with unreliable supply and limited budgets.

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According to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka now contributes nearly 18-20% of India’s total solar adoption in healthcare. By the end of the year, solar systems will be operational in 3,700 facilities, and by next year, the count will rise to 5,000. This expansion is expected to save around ₹100 crore over the next decade and reduce CO₂ emissions by nearly two lakh tonnes over 20 years.

The shift is especially significant in North Karnataka, where power shortages routinely affect medical services. Raichur now has all 257 of its public health facilities running on solar energy, while Belagavi has recorded nearly 270 installations. Locations with higher patient traffic and critical power needs were prioritised.

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A key feature of the programme is the Soura e-Mitra mobile app, which healthcare staff use for reporting technical issues and managing maintenance. Of the 1,072 complaints raised so far, 722 have already been resolved. Additionally, remote monitoring systems have been installed for real-time performance tracking and quick fault detection.

The project is being implemented under CSR support from the SELCO Foundation, in partnership with the National Health Mission. SELCO Foundation director Huda Jaffer said the initiative marks a major step toward sustainable and reliable healthcare infrastructure, particularly for communities in remote regions.

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