Aerial view of Masai Mara in Kenya. The photo was taken from a hot air balloon.
Wingcopter partners with Siemens Healthliner for drone delivery of lab samples in Africa
DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
Wingcopter GmbH signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Siemens Hellnears The Middle East, Southern and Eastern Africa will develop and deploy an integrated drone delivery solution for the transportation of diagnostic materials for testing and medical supplies in Africa. Leveraging both Siemens Healthineers’ Laboratory Diagnostics testing capabilities and Wingcopter’s drone delivery service will enhance diagnosis and expedite treatment. The solution will employ the latest digital technologies from both companies, including highly automated drone deliveries and laboratory information systems that can accurately track and report results directly to patients.
“At Siemens Healthneers, we are committed to providing access to care for all,” said Ole Malloy, Managing Director, Middle East, South and East Africa, Siemens Healthneers. “Our partnership with Wingcopter aims to fill existing gaps in healthcare infrastructure and provide equitable and affordable access to diagnostic tests and medical supplies.”
Wingcopter’s delivery drones, in conjunction with Siemens Healthneers’ laboratory diagnostic facilities, will enable rapid, automated, two-way delivery of samples, medicines and other medical products. The Wingcopter pilots the drone and covers a range of 75 kilometers while maintaining the cold chain at all times. These drone delivery networks will enable centralized distribution of sample testing and medical consumables, leading to better access to diagnostics, shorter turnaround times, increased efficiency and lower costs.
“We believe we have found the perfect partner for our bold ambition to improve and save the lives of millions of people on the African continent and beyond,” said Wingcopter GmbH CEO and CEO. co-founder Tom Plümmer said. “By partnering with Siemens Healthneers, we are working tirelessly towards a goal we are striving for – to reach the people who need it most, through a fast, reliable and sustainable air drone delivery network, with real social benefits around the world. We can get a lot closer to our goal of making an impact.”
According to a World Bank and WHO report, about half of the world’s population does not have access to critical health services, such as timely diagnostic services. Drone delivery solutions not only increase the accessibility of diagnostic tests, but also help the United Nations sustainably improve access to health, the potential reduction in carbon footprint and risk of road accidents, and building capacity for drone operations. It will have a positive impact on possible development goals. Wingcopter intends to create jobs within the drone industry by training local youth, an approach it had previously taken in Malawi, and now operates with an all-local, majority-women crew. Operated.
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Ian attended Dominican University in California and graduated with a BA in English in 2019. With her lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and keen interest in technology, she now contributes to her DroneLife as a staff writer.
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a keen observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. Miriam is an international speaker and industry recognized figure, with his 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and he has over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, email Miriam.
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