In England, drugs for chemotherapy will be delivered by drones
the NHS or National Health Servicethe organization in charge of health in UKhas just signed a partnership with apiana start-up working in drone technology. Both entities will begin testing delivery on Isle of Wight of life-saving drugs for chemotherapy using drones.
According to information, the first flights will start very soon. Both parties hope that the system will reduce travel time for drugs and lower shipping costs. The system will also allow cancer patients to receive their treatment locally.
Apian was founded by former NHS doctors and former Google employees.
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight lies just over 3km off the south coast of England. It is inhabited by just under 150,000 inhabitants. Due to the short shelf life of chemotherapy drugs, these products must be transported as quickly as possible to the island, or patients who need it have to take the ferry to the coast of England. However, this route can last up to 4 hours.
With the use of a drone, it is possible to connect Queen Alexandra Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in half an hour.
Not a first
It is not the first time that drones have been used to deliver life-saving drugs at a higher speed than conventional delivery people. The company Volansi for example, has already begun to deliver medicines requiring refrigeration using drones to patients living in rural areas of North Carolina. At Rwandadrones have also made it possible to carry blood bagsand in Floridathis technology has been used to deliver medicine to seniors.
Aside from medicines, drone technology also makes it possible to deliver conventional packages to remote areas. the Royal Mail from the United Kingdom has already tested autonomous drones to deliver supplies to the Isles of Scilly, Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. The Royal Mail reported that drones reduced the amount of carbon emitted and speeded up the delivery of packages.
With their many advantages, it can be expected that in the future, drones will be used more and more for making deliveries.
SOURCE: Engadget
