Beirut 30 August 2024 – The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with UNICEF, inaugurated a new 250 kWp solar system at Saida Emergency Public Hospital (Turkish hospital). This state-of-the-art solar installation is a critical component of the hospital’s emergency preparedness plan, ensuring a continuous and reliable electricity supply for essential medical services.
Minister of Public Health, Dr. Firas Al-Abiad said: “The inauguration of the solar energy system in this hospital helps achieving part of the Ministry’s strategy, which is based on supporting public hospitals to continue providing necessary healthcare services to the most vulnerable, especially during crises. It also comes within the Ministry’s strategies to implement the use of alternative energy, as it reduces operational costs considering the ongoing electricity crisis.”
“The impact of this solarization goes beyond mere electricity provision,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon. “It promotes universal access to essential services and lays the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable health system prepared to meet the needs of the population, even in times of crisis.”
The solar Photovoltaic system, comprising 448 high-efficiency 550 Wp solar panels, ensures that key medical services—including MRI, Radiology x-ray, CT scan machines, emergency room operations, and laboratory functions—can continue without interruption, even during power outages.
In addition to significant investment in solar solutions to sustain healthcare services for children and communities throughout the country, UNICEF is actively supporting the Ministry of Public Health Emergency preparedness plan by procuring and delivering lifesaving medical supplies in response to the ongoing conflict affecting southern Lebanon.
About UNICEF
Working in Lebanon for over 70 years, UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone
For more information about UNICEF Lebanon and our work for children, visit www.unicef.org/lebanon/ or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube