London-based off-grid energy supplier, Winch Energy, has developed new fully-solar powered health clinics for deployment to Africa and developing communities worldwide.
Equipped with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and an integrated battery generator, the company said its Winch Clinic is able to run 24/7, supporting air conditioning, ventilation and air filtering, lighting, and water pumping and purification facilities, which are essential for hygiene, as well as ventilators and other specialist devices.
Nicholas Wrigley, CEO of Winch Energy Limited: “The COVID-19 pandemic has only further highlighted the importance of providing healthcare facilities that can reliably run day and night to treat patients and prevent the spread of disease.
“We are pleased that we have been able to bring forward the launch of the Winch Clinic and introduce it at a time when governments and health organisations are calling for clinics that can quickly be deployed and adapted for testing and treatment in response to the virus.”
A number of power supply options are available, ensuring the clinic can also power medical equipment and other appliances, VSAT Internet connections, a drone charging platform for the delivery of supplies, and, if necessary, lodgings for medical and administrative staff required to provide care to patients.
The new clinic has been designed to overcome the barriers of time, affordability and reliability, which can prevent vulnerable populations across the developing world from accessing healthcare, the company said.
Winch said the modular building can be configured to include examination and treatment rooms, offices for medical staff and an ICU and even staff lodgings.
It can generate enough power to run lighting, heating and ventilations, water treatment systems as well as power medical equipment and a drone charging station for deliveries.
Winch Energy said it is already operating renewable energy projects in areas including Benin, Mauritania, Uganda and Sierra Leone.