Mokokchung district trainees with facilitators and officials.
KOHIMA/MOKOKCHUNG, AUGUST 10 (MExN): Training programmes on operations and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and the Saura e-Mitra application were conducted for health staff from solar-powered health centres in Nagaland’s Phek and Mokokchung districts.
The trainings, jointly organised by the SELCO Foundation and the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) under the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, aimed to equip participants with essential skills to operate and maintain rooftop solar PV systems installed in their respective facilities.
In Phek district, a three-day programme was held from August 5 to 7 at the District Hospital conference hall and the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Pfutsero. Deputy CMO Phek Dr Chukhusie, DVBO Phek Dr Rebecca, IDSP Epidemiologist Dr Lima, SMO Pfutsero CHC Dr Medotsei-o, Medical Officer Pfutsero CHC Dr Vepfuhu Kezo, and staff from the CMO office and the CHC attended.
Deputy Director of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Thomas Keppen, who attended as a state monitor, stressed the importance of reliable solar power in ensuring uninterrupted health services. He urged participants to engage actively, take ownership of the systems, and maintain them for long-term sustainability.
In his keynote address, Dr Chukhusie thanked NPCCHH and SELCO Foundation for the initiative, noting its role in strengthening grassroots health systems. The training covered solar panel inspection, preventive and corrective maintenance, battery health checks, inverter overviews, troubleshooting, safety protocols, cleaning practices, load management, documentation, and escalation procedures. The Saura e-Mitra app was introduced to streamline fault reporting and improve system reliability.
The Phek training, facilitated by Er Imli Imchen, saw the participation of 127 health staff from 66 solar-powered centres.
In Mokokchung district, the routine maintenance training was held on August 6 and 7 at the CMO conference hall. It was attended by State Nodal Officer (NPCCHH) Dr Nyanthung Kikon, consultant Dr Nounengulie Kire, NPCCHH consultant Tsukjemsangla, CMO Mokokchung Dr S Marina Yaden, and Deputy CMO Mokokchung Dr Takusunep. The programme was chaired by DVBO & DSO Dr Martula and District Pharmacy Officer S. Jongtosang.
Imkongsungla Jamir, Project Coordinator at SELCO Foundation, introduced the foundation and gave an overview of the training. In her address, Dr Marina Yaden expressed gratitude for the initiative, calling the solarisation of health units a “privilege” and urging staff to maintain the systems in line with sustainability goals.
Dr Kikon lauded the effort as a “life-changing initiative” and encouraged participants to fully absorb the knowledge shared. Facilitator Mr Imlisunep trained attendees on the basics of solar PV systems, components, routine inspections, maintenance procedures, and incident management.
The Mokokchung programme will continue in Mangkolemba on August 8 to train health staff from Mangkolemba, Alongkima, and Tsurangkong blocks.
Officials said that as part of a broader state initiative, all solar-powered health centres in Nagaland will eventually come under a single operational framework, with phase-wise training for staff across districts to ensure consistent upkeep and sustainability.
