NAN, Thailand – The government is advancing medical drone technology to improve healthcare access in remote communities, reducing medicine delivery times from over an hour to about 14 minutes, with plans to expand services to 13 communities in Nan Province. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana announced that the Ministry of Public Health, led by Minister Pattana Promphat, has launched Medical Drone operations in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The technology has reduced medicine delivery times from over an hour by road to about 14 minutes by drone. For journeys of around 100 kilometers, transportation that once took nearly five hours by road now takes about one hour by air. The spokesperson noted that the technology is especially beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses who cannot easily travel to hospitals, and for communities affected by emergencies or natural disasters that make roads or bridges inaccessible.
The Minister stated that the next phase will introduce round-trip Medical Drone services connecting Pua Crown Prince Hospital in Nan Province with 13 key community locations. Outbound flights will deliver medicines and laboratory supplies from the hospital to communities, while return flights will bring blood samples and medical specimens back to the hospital, supporting healthcare operations in both directions. The spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to support medical innovations, reduce healthcare inequalities, and ensure residents in remote areas receive essential medicines and services more quickly. (NNT)
