Last week, the government of Rwanda launched the use of drones (Zips) for the delivery of medical supplies. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda has a challenging topography which makes travel difficult and long. So the government launched this drone delivery network to reduce the time it takes to transport these vital supplies to far-flung areas of the country.
Starting with the Muhanga district of Rwanda, this drone program will extend to other parts of the country by early 2017.
This drone initiative has been made possible by the government’s partnership with Zipline. Zipline is a US-based start-up made up of engineers who formerly worked at Space X, Google, Lockheed Martin and other tech companies.
According to Zipline, “On demand, the drones are expected to make around 150 deliveries of blood to 21 facilities each day.”
A health worker can place an order by text message. Within minutes, a Zip is prepared and launched into the sky. Racing along at 100 km/h, Zip arrives faster than any other mode of transport, no pilot required. The medical products are then dropped off, landing gently and accurately at the health facility in an open area the size of a few parking spaces.
Speaking at the launch, President Paul Kagame said the use of commercial drones to transport essential medical products ought to be considered a milestone for Rwanda.
“Technology becomes relevant and meaningful when it works for people and addresses challenges they face,” Kagame said.
President Kagame launching a Zipline medical delivery drone now in Muhanga #Rwanda pic.twitter.com/D9rHG4WlN4
— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) October 14, 2016
The drones, shaped like a fat-bellied miniature plane with a two-metre wingspan, will initially be used to deliver blood, plasma, and coagulants to hospitals across rural western Rwanda.
The aircraft are launched from a catapult and fly below 500ft (152m) to avoid the airspace used by passenger planes.
Weighing just about 13kg and battery operated, the drones have an operational range of 150km (93 miles) but could, in theory, fly almost twice that distance. They can carry a cargo of about 1.5kg, or three bags of blood.
Zipline will be paid by Rwanda’s health department on a per delivery basis.
The company says the cost per trip is roughly equal to that of the current delivery method, by motorbike or ambulance.
