Call For Drone Medicine Transport Interest To Be Issued

The Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, announced that in the coming days a public call will be issued for a drone service to establish the rapid transfer of pharmaceutical and biological materials between Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital. Dr Abela explained that in recent months the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, together with Gozo General Hospital, has been working to structure this tender.

“The drone service is expected to serve dozens of patients in Gozo and reduce unnecessary travel for them and their families,” Dr Abela emphasised. Using this innovative transport method, monoclonal antibody medicines will be transferred regularly, safely, and quickly, allowing more patients to receive the care they need in an expanded section of the Day Care Unit at Gozo General Hospital.

“This project is linked to ongoing infrastructure expansion, which will allow the facility to accommodate fifteen patients instead of six,” added Minister Abela.

Dr Abela praised the efforts of the Pharmacy and Pathology Departments at both hospitals and expressed gratitude for expert advice from Transport Malta, the Civil Protection Department, and officials from the United Kingdom. This transport method will also allow blood, fluid, and tissue samples to be delivered quickly, resulting in robust diagnoses and improved levels of care. The tender is designed to connect all relevant entities within the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, including St Vincent de Paul and the Moran Census Centre, through the use of drones.

“This is a historic step for healthcare in Gozo, where we will invest over one million euros over the next two years to improve convenience and the quality of care in Gozo,” concluded Minister Jo Etienne Abela.

#MaltaDaily