Mae Chaem:The government is advancing its "Medical Drones" initiative to facilitate the delivery of medicine to patients in remote areas, significantly cutting delivery times from over an hour to just 14 minutes.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Public Health, under Minister Pattana Promphat, has launched a medical drone operation in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This program aims to enhance healthcare access for people in remote locations.
The drones are designed to reduce medication delivery times significantly. Long-distance deliveries of approximately 100 kilometers, which traditionally took nearly five hours by land, can now be accomplished in about one hour by air. This technology is especially crucial for patients with chronic illnesses who are unable to travel to hospitals and during emergencies or natural disasters.
Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, emphasized the importance of this technology in ensuring that patients receive necessary medications and supplies promptly. The government is preparing to expand the program with a round-trip flight route from Somdej Phra Yuparat Pua Hospital in Nan Province, connecting 13 community points.
The operational model includes using drones to transport medications and laboratory supplies from hospitals to communities and returning with blood and specimens. This two-way system aims to enhance medical services in remote areas effectively.
The government expresses gratitude to healthcare personnel and partners for promoting the use of medical drones and is committed to further developing this technology to improve healthcare service efficiency and access in remote regions.