QUETTA: Balochistan’s largest government hospital—Bolan Medical Complex in Quetta—has been fully converted to solar power, making it the first major public hospital in Balochistan to run 100% on renewable energy.
The project, led by the UNHCR in partnership with private energy company LONGi, has installed a 684-kilowatt solar system at the Bolan Medical Complex located at the provincial capital. It will generate 1.16 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting 100% of BMC’s energy needs.
This green initiative is expected to save Rs. 70 million per year and reduce carbon emissions by 468 tons annually.
BMC is one of the largest hospitals in Balochistan. It serves both local communities and Afghan refugees.
A special ceremony was held to inaugurate the project. Key guests included Philippa Candler, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan; Shehak Baloch, Special Secretary from the Balochistan Health Department; and Tesfaye Bekele Weldeyesus, Head of UNHCR Quetta Office. Senior doctors and Afghan Refugee Commissioner Arbab Talib also attended.
Speaking at the event, Philippa Candler said the project shows UNHCR’s commitment to helping both refugees and host communities. “Sustainable energy improves public services and uplifts lives,” she said.
She also praised LONGi’s role and called for more private sector partnerships to fight climate change.
This solar shift is part of UNHCR’s broader clean energy drive in Pakistan.
In recent years, UNHCR has made significant contributions to BMC. In 2024, with support from KOICA, the agency provided vital medical equipment, including ICU beds, ECG machines, diathermy units, and urology tools.
Earlier in 2022, the hospital received HD and 4K endoscopy systems, AI-powered imaging, CO₂ insufflators, and other advanced diagnostic equipment for digestive diseases. UNHCR also supplied ICU gear like suction pumps and endoscope washers.
These investments have greatly improved healthcare services at BMC, benefiting thousands of Pakistanis and Afghan refugees alike.
