Spokesman Report
QUETTA: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency with the support of its private sector partner, LONGi, solarized Bolan Medical Complex which will save Rs. 70million and reduce 468 tons of carbon emissions annually.
This clean energy project marks a critical step toward sustainable healthcare benefitting both Afghan refugees and Pakistani community in Balochistan. It will generate approximately 1.16 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually and will meet the entire energy needs of one of Balochistan’s largest hospitals.
On Tuesday, a ceremony was held at Bolan Medical Complex attended by Special Secretary Health Department Mr. Shehak Baloch representing Government of Balochistan, Ms. Philippa Candler, UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan, Mr. Tesfaye Bekele, Head of UNHCR Quetta and Mr. Arbab Talib, Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, Dr. Liaqat Baloch, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital and other key notables.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Philippa Candler, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan said that this initiative reflects UNHCR’s unwavering commitment to supporting the local communities which have hosted refugees for so long.
“Access to sustainable energy plays a vital role in enhancing public services and improving the quality of life for all,” she added.
“We appreciate the collaboration with Longi, demonstrating the importance of the private sector in advancing our common goals of energy efficiency and climate resilience,” she said.
As part of its continued commitment to supporting Afghan refugees and their host communities, UNHCR has been implementing clean energy interventions across Pakistan.
In 2024, under the KOICA-funded project, UNHCR supported Bolan Medical Complex Hospital (BMCH) by providing essential medical equipment including 20 ICU beds, 2 ECG machines, 2 diathermy units, biopsy forceps, and 11 specialized instruments for the urology department.
In 2022, UNHCR has provided BMCH with modern healthcare equipment worth millions of dollars to improve the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. This includes HD and 4K endoscopy systems, AI-assisted imaging, CO₂ insufflators, electrosurgical units with Argon Plasma Coagulation, and endoscope washers. In addition, UNHCR has supported these facilities with ICU beds, ECG machines, suction pumps, and other essential tools, helping enhance healthcare services for both host and refugee communities.
