Hundreds of thousands of healthcare institutions lack reliable electricity, leading to devastating consequences. Every year, more than a million newborns die within their first day of life, and over 260,000 mothers lose their lives due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. We Care Solar recognised the urgent need for a portable, dependable power source and created a suitcase that provides light, charging, and a fetal Doppler in a compact, single solution.
A light in a box
We Care Solar Suitcase is an electric system that provides lighting and power for healthcare centres, small medical devices, and mobiles. It was specifically designed to bring light to obstetric facilities and to ensure safer, easier childbirth. The suitcase can be used for a multitude of medical and humanitarian emergencies. Conveniently packed into a waterproof, dustproof case, the Solar Suitcase can be easily transported even to the most remote settings. Upon opening, the yellow suitcase can be attached to the room divider and turned into a wall-mounted cabinet. Solar panels installed on the roof charge a 12V, 20 AH lithium-iron phosphate battery, providing energy for four high-efficiency LED lights. Illumination levels can be adjusted from bright light (lasting up to 12 hours) to low light (lasting up to 60 hours). The product also features two 12V DC accessory (lighter) sockets, two USB ports, and an equivalent number of expansion ports for attaching additional lights and accessories.
The Solar Suitcase can be controlled through a custom display and user interface. The latest version 3 came with an array of design upgrades, including greater longevity and an improved, intuitive interface that allows doctors to concentrate on medical procedures, not the suitcase itself. The product boasts LFP batteries and a low-voltage DC system, with overcurrent and shock hazard protection. It comes with two rechargeable headlamps, a rechargeable battery charger (for AA and AAA), and a fetal Doppler powered by rechargeable AA batteries. The durable suitcase can last for years, even in harsh environments and the battery lifespan is 5 years.
Global impact of the Solar Suitcase
It’s fascinating that such a small suitcase can create such a significant global impact. Thanks to this innovation, doctors can manage emergencies without waiting for sunrise or relying on smartphone flashlights. They can diagnose haemorrhage, retained placentas, and breech presentations, repair lacerations quickly, and perform newborn resuscitation under reliable light. An attached cell phone charger and mobile Doppler device further enhance medical response. The Doppler monitors fetal heart rate, helping detect potential issues or anomalies early, while charged phones allow medical staff to call doctors or ambulances easily, reducing both mortality and morbidity. Since its introduction, We Care Solar has distributed more than 10,000 Solar Suitcases to rural off-grid health facilities worldwide. Over 40,000 healthcare workers have been trained to use them, and more than 18 million mothers have been treated under the light they provide.
Photo credit: We Care Solar
