Drones Offer Medical Delivery Hope

Transportation to Cheung Chau has always depended on ferries, which are subject to scheduling constraints. In the event of an emergency, it may not be possible to meet urgent transportation needs such as medical delivery promptly.

Using drones to deliver medical supplies represents a significant breakthrough.

Revolutionary progress

Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects encompass a wide range of sectors, including logistics and distribution.

One fine example involves the collaboration between a logistics company and the Hospital Authority to deliver medicines by drone. One of the pilot routes runs from Cyberport to St John Hospital in Cheung Chau.

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan inspected the project at Cheung Chau to learn about the latest developments in using drones for medical delivery.

She remarked that the pilot project is making a leap by transforming concepts into practical use.

Time-sensitive delivery

The logistics company’s Hong Kong & Macau Region Chief Technology Officer Kenny Lau explained that it takes about 45 to 65 minutes using current existing transportation, whereas the drone delivery just takes about 20 minutes for a 12-km flight from Cyberport to Cheung Chau.

“From the operational outcome, we find that the performance of drone operation is very stable and also for the communication signals. 

“We have confidence that we can complete all the tests in this pilot project.”

Timely treatment 

By leveraging the versatility and reliability of drone delivery, St John Hospital Accident & Emergency Department Associate Consultant Dr Maxime Mark believes that the pilot project will help improve medical services and benefit the public.

She said they would like to consider using drones to deliver urgent medical supplies like antivenoms from Hong Kong Island to Cheung Chau.

“Patients can stay in St John Hospital instead of being sent out to the urban area for treatment.”

Looking forward to having a safe and efficient transportation option for medical supplies that can enhance support for hospital operations in the future, the Hospital Authority will continue to collaborate with relevant departments on the pilot project to further test the drone delivery system.