BY EPN
MBABANE – Eswatini is on the brink of introducing its first-ever medical drone network.
The first delivery in the network is planned for early 2024.
A drone network can ensure critical medical supplies can be delivered more efficiently, it can reduce waiting times for test results and, more importantly, it can provide equity of care between urban and remote rural communities.”
The Luke Commission (TLC), a prominent Eswatini-based healthcare organization, has partnered with Swoop Aero, The UPS Foundation, Red Lightning, and USAID to establish the medical drone network.
The announcement was made during a training session.
TLC, in partnership with Swoop Aero, The UPS Foundation, Red Lightning, and USAID, is currently working with the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) to finalize the required documentation and standards for the impending launch of the drone network.
Echo Vander Wal, the Managing Executive Director of TLC, expressed gratitude for the cooperation of ESWACAA, acknowledging their professionalism and enthusiasm for improving medical logistics through the innovative drone network.
“We are honored to continue partnering with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to bring health and development innovations to all emaSwati,” Wal stated in today’s Times of Eswatini.
He explained that the primary objective of the network is to enhance the last-mile delivery of critical medical supplies, addressing challenges posed by difficult terrain, traffic, or impassable roads.
The drone network is anticipated to provide a range of benefits, such as accelerated access for patients to essential medicines, vaccines, blood, snake anti-venom, and the speeding up of lab samples. It was further explained that all items transported will be digitally tracked through TLC’s Luvelo digital ecosystem, ensuring accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the supply chain.
“With this network, we will be able to precisely and safely deliver medicines, medical supplies and more,” Wal said.
The network is said to utilize Swoop Aero’s automated, remote-pilot aircraft, the Kite.
Capable of vertical take-offs and landings, the Kite facilitates two-way transportation, flying up to 120 kilometers on a single battery charge with a 3-kilogram payload. Supported by a cloud-based software suite, the aircraft ensures a seamless and efficient operational experience.
