New functioning hospitals are great news on their own merit, as are buildings which use renewable energy. But sometimes the two things are linked, as global warming and natural disasters have grave effects on health.
A New York will testify to this, as the recent hurricane not only injured people but knocked out the power in the city’s hospitals. Coming up with a solution to tackle all three is simply outstanding.
The new Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais (University Hospital) is the first time global warming, the effects of natural disasters and the associated health effects have all been triangulated. The Haitian hospital on the outskirts of the city of Mirebalais features 300 beds and state-of-the-art equipment. It will provide primary care services for 185,000 people. The solar panels on its roof will power the entire hospital during the day, with excess power fed back to the national grid.
The world’s first solar-powered hospital is a joint venture between the US-based Partners in Health and Zanmi Lasante, its sister group operating in Haiti. The country has been devastated by natural disasters in recent years, so it’s fitting that Haiti should be the first country to provide collaborative solutions to health and climate change.
Author: healthier matters
