Siemens Healthineers, a leading medical technology company, has announced its plans to implement a drone delivery solution for transporting laboratory diagnostics materials and other medical supplies across Africa. To accomplish this, the company has partnered with Wingcopter, a German developer and operator of delivery drones.
Siemens Healthineers Middle East, Southern & Eastern Africa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wingcopter to develop a highly automated drone delivery solution that ensures accurate tracking and reporting of results directly to patients.
By leveraging Wingcopter's delivery drones in conjunction with Siemens Healthineers' laboratory diagnostics facilities, the initiative aims to enable efficient and automated two-way delivery of samples, medicines, and other medical products.
Wingcopter's battery-powered drones have a range of 75 kilometers while maintaining a controlled temperature throughout the delivery process. This integration will centralize sample testing and the distribution of medical consumables, leading to improved access to diagnostics, faster turnaround times, increased efficiency, and cost reduction.
A World Bank and WHO report highlights that nearly half of the world's population still lacks access to essential health services, including timely diagnostics. Ole Maloy, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Middle East, Southern & Eastern Africa, states,
"Our partnership with Wingcopter aims to bridge the existing gaps in healthcare infrastructure, providing equitable and affordable access to diagnostic testing and medical supplies."
Wingcopter plans to train and empower local young individuals, creating employment opportunities and fostering growth in the rapidly expanding drone industry. This approach aligns with the company's operations in Malawi, where an all-local, majority-female crew manages the drone operations.
Tom Plümmer, CEO and co-founder of Wingcopter, expresses confidence in the partnership, stating,
"We believe that we have found the perfect partner to fulfill our ambitious goal of improving and saving the lives of millions of people in Africa and beyond. Collaborating with Siemens Healthineers will bring us one step closer to making a real social impact worldwide by establishing fast, reliable, and sustainable drone delivery networks in the sky for those who need it most."
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