On 11th August 22, the Honorable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, launched the Health Systems
Strengthening Project which employs village level participatory models for developing designs and
constructing energy optimised and climate resilient healthcentre facilities at the last mile. Over the
next 3 years, 150 such centres will be built across the state.
The Government of Meghalaya collaborated with SELCO Foundation and Sauramandala Foundation
for technical design development and processes for implementation of the programme.
Most health centres in the state are susceptible to impacts of climate and disasters, affecting the
access to healthcare itself. The wellbeing of both patients - community and the Auxiliary Nurses and
Midwives who run and manage the centres are negatively impacted. Poor building infrastructure
with leakages, indoor cold stress, ineffective heating, poor natural light and cramped spaces also
reduces attendance of critical care seekers like mothers, infants, elderly etc. Most designs and
guidelines deployed do not consider the needs and functional requirements of the occupants. An
exercise in participatory design that includes the voices of the community, ANMs, District Medical
and Health Officers, local construction stakeholders allows for local ownership and effectiveness in
the construction and maintenance processes of the facilities.
The designs developed and deployed will be resilient to extreme cold, heavy winds, earthquakes and
landslides with universal accessibility considerations inclusive of community halls, day care and play
spaces with gardens. Materials utilised will be locally sourced ensuring sustainable practices for
comfortable indoor conditions of temperature and humidity. The centres are also designed to utilise
optimal energy for light and ventilation and will be augmented with solar power and energy efficient
appliances.
Hon’able Conrad Sangma, CM of Meghalaya says
“During Covid 19, the doctors, ANMs and Asha workers faced a lot of issues at the PHCs, CHCs and the sub centres due to limited resources, medical equipment and irregular energy access and limited skilled manpower. These experiences pointed out the importance of strengthening the health sector in the state. This has led to a programme to build new sub centres in regions with poor access to health care. Through partnership with SELCO Foundation and Sauramandala Foundation we are ensuring sustainable, disaster resilient and integrated clean energy health centres. ’’
Mr. Ramkumar S (IAS), Mission Director of National Health Mission, Meghalaya and Joint Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya says
“In this unique approach where we are creating village health councils to democratise and deliver quality health care at the last mile, the technical partnership with Selco Foundation and Sauramandala foundation has brought in climate preparedness and community participation in the design process. This is a template that can be replicated across the country”
Dr. Harish Hande says
“SELCO firmly believes that an end-user centric, ground up approach towards climate resilient interventions are long-term, and replicable. This is only possible given the incredible championship by the Public Health Department of Government of Meghalaya. We are honoured to be partnering with the Government of Meghalaya to develop a model approach for sustainable energy integrated green built environments that demonstrate local ownership and capacity building from end to end, truly showcasing a decentralised approach to sustainable development."
Mr.Nagakarthik MP says
" The approach taken by the Government of Meghalaya to build new health centers using a participatory approach is commendable, we are happy to play a role in facilitating and co-designing this partnership with Selco Foundation to add aspects of energy, built environment and resilience to the designs. We believe that this is a good template for partnership between the system, community and civil society that can be adopted across the country"
About SELCO Foundation
SELCO Foundation aims to develop innovative, sustainable – social, technical and financial models
that impact climate change and poverty alleviation. It is a collaborative striving to work on solutions,
support agents and build a sustainable ecosystem for clean energy access and sustainable built
environments. SELCO Foundation seeks to holistically facilitate context-driven solutions and
opportunities that result in improved well-being and livelihoods for underserved communities
through sustainable energy, energy-efficient applications and green building design.
To know more, visit www.selcofoundation.org. For any additional queries, write to us at
info@selcofoundation.org
Contact Details:
Nirmita Chandrashekar, Program Manager and Architect, SELCO Foundation - Cell no: +91 99000
25673
About Sauramandala Foundation
Sauramandala Foundation’s Centre For Accelerated Development (CFAD) helps accelerate social and
economic change to build the resilience of remote, vulnerable and disconnected communities
through collaborative action.
To know more, visit www.sauramandala.org. For any additional queries, write to us at
info@sauramandala.org
Contact Details:
Nagakarthik MP, Founder, Sauramandala Foundation - Cell no: +91 94800 00089