Korle Bu Teaching Hospital begins solar power installation
The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has commenced the installation of solar power systems to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for patient care.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that essential medical procedures in theatres, intensive care units (ICUs), and recovery wards continue without interruption, ultimately improving patient care and safety.
The first installation is taking place at the Accident and Emergency Centre, and is expected to be completed by the end of next week.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere, during an inspection tour of the project explained that the initiative was aimed at ensuring continued power for efficient service delivery.
He said the solar installation at the Accident and Emergency Centre marked the first phase of a broader plan to enhance energy security in critical areas of the hospital.
He disclosed plans by the hospital to extend the solar power system to operating theatres, intensive care units (ICUs), recovery wards and other essential departments to prevent disruptions caused by power outages from the national grid.
Dr Owusu-Sekyere said feasibility studies were currently underway to assess the possibility of implementing solar energy at the Department of Surgery.
Backup system
The Director of General Services, Frederick Addo-Yobo, said the installation of solar power would serve as a backup system, guaranteeing continuous 24-hour electricity, especially during power outages.
The Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, Dr Frederick Kwarteng, highlighted the challenges posed by frequent power outages, which disrupt emergency care and electronic medical systems.
He said uninterrupted power was vital for life-saving equipment such as ventilators, defibrillators, and monitoring systems, which were critical in emergency medical care.
"This initiative will greatly enhance our ability to provide timely and effective treatment to patients in critical conditions," he added.
The project’s foreman, Yayra Dzreke, stated that installation began with 48 solar panels already mounted.
Currently, he said three converters, each generating 12 kilowatts of energy, were being installed, with the project expected to be fully operational by next week.
In addition to providing a reliable power supply, the solar installation is expected to significantly reduce the hospital’s reliance on the national grid, lowering electricity costs and promoting environmental sustainability.
