Kaduna State government has inaugurated unmanned aerial vehicles technology “DRONE” for instant, safe and secure delivery of medical supplies and consumables to healthcare facilities in the state.
Governor Nasiru Elrufai while inaugurating the the project in Panbegua, expressed optimism for launching the first Zipline facility in Kaduna State.
He explained that, Zipline’s innovative technology would align and complement various efforts to transform the healthcare system in the State.
Malam Nasiru Elrufai noted that, the technology would enable the distribution of medical commodities and consumables to save lives in health facilities and reduce expense on inventory among others.
According to him, the state government signed the partnership with Zipline on 3rd February 2021 with expectation that, it would commence operation before the end of 2021, stressing that, the take-off has sadly taken longer than envisaged for a variety of reasons.
Malam Nasiru Elrufai who expressed satisfaction in achieving the milestone in the state health system, commended the company for choosing Kaduna State to pilot the innovative project.
He noted that, Kaduna State had joined the Republics of Rwanda and Ghana in the African continent, and the USA and Japan in the developed world for using drones to deliver drugs.
“This partnership with Zipline enhances our ability to distribute medical commodities more efficiently to our health facilities throughout the over 46,000 square kilometres of the State, including the remotest and otherwise inaccessible rural clinics, health centres and hospitals. Even private hospitals, pharmacies and patent medicine stores can benefit from our bulk purchase of commodities direct from manufacturers and timely delivery by Zipline”
“We express gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Nigerian Air Force and NAFDAC for granting the required regulatory certifications, we still believe that as a country, Nigeria should be swifter in regulating, enabling and adopting new technologies and innovation”
Malam Nasiru Elrufai called on the relevant aviation, security and health authorities to give their full support to innovative technology as more state governors have indicated firm interest to adopt Zipline’s technology and services in their states.
He reminded residents of the state to enrol in the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme that it rolled out in 2018.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamali thanked the company for partnering with Kaduna State in providing such services.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria, the Flight Operations leader of the Company, Mr Jerimaya Dunah said the drone has four components while its battery can last for three hours.
He added that, the drone can fly to 80 kilometer radius from Panbegua where the center was established.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
